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Hong Kong society
Hong KongSociety

Costumes, cheers and beer: early bird fans embrace spirit of Hong Kong Sevens amid lifted Covid curbs despite slow start to event

  • ‘I can already tell there’s a lot of energy in the building. I’m really excited,’ says one rugby fan
  • Tournament is first to be held after lifting of citywide mask mandate

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Fiji’s Iva Nabura takes a selfie with fans at the Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: Sam Tsang
Kahon Chan
The Hong Kong Sevens, free from the city’s mask mandate and travel restrictions, were off to a slow start on Friday amid a persistent drizzle, but early bird fans still embraced the spirit of the event with colourful costumes and pints of beer.
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Donning a pirate outfit, 20-year-old Hugh Smith arrived at the Hong Kong Stadium in the early afternoon with his university friends.

Student Hugh Smith (left) with friend Ben Halpein at the Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Kahon Chan
Student Hugh Smith (left) with friend Ben Halpein at the Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Kahon Chan

“I can already tell there’s a lot of energy in the building. I’m really excited,” said the computer science student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

He was among the first wave of fans to fill the stadium as the three-day tournament kicked off with the women’s competition, which appeared to have had a slow start.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung was also seen among the crowds, cheering for the Hong Kong team while holding a drink in his hand.

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The South Stand, usually the epicentre of the tournament packed with fans in the fanciest of costumes, was largely deserted amid the light rain.

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