The Game is back: HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens returns to the Singapore National Stadium

Fast, furious and fun, the Sevens weekend will offer something for everyone - rugby fan or not

It's time to dust off your crazy costumes and get set to belt out your best 'Sweet Caroline' - the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens returns to the Singapore National Stadium on 9 and 10 April 2022.

Rugby fans will once again be thrilled and entertained by live world-class rugby action at the iconic venue, after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining the party are the world's top players from 16 teams, including current series leaders South Africa, Olympic champions Fiji, and 2020 series title winners New Zealand, who are playing their first event since their silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Games.

The Singapore leg is the fifth of nine tournaments in the men's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022, which started with two events in Dubai in November and December 2021, and two in Spain in January. South Africa are the team to beat, having swept the first four stops to collect 88 points, with Argentina second on 70 points.

Sports entertainment like no other

Played on a full-size pitch by teams of seven players, sevens is a shorter and faster format of rugby, with each half lasting just seven minutes. In between games, the excitement doesn't stop - with sing-alongs and giant screen games keeping the party atmosphere going all day.

Unique to the Singapore leg is its family-centric format which has earned the event its reputation as the 'Family Sevens.' Ticket holders will be able to enjoy an extensive line-up of fringe activities, including an array of family-friendly activities such as a bouncy castle and movie screenings. Music fans will also be entertained by live performances from local band Jive Talkin' and Zouk's DJ Jeremy Boon, who are set to turn up the energy levels with their distinct and upbeat tunes.

It's no wonder that the last edition of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens in 2019, which saw close to 57,000 fans in attendance, was voted "Best Sporting Event" at The Special Event Asia 2019 Awards.

Gearing up for a safe and successful Sevens

Doug Langley, HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Director, said: "We are delighted to be returning to the National Stadium in Singapore for what promises to be a very exciting round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022."

"All stakeholders are working hard in partnership to deliver a spectacular, safe and secure event, and the players and teams are looking forward to getting back on the pitch and showcasing the speed, skill and thrills of world-class rugby sevens in Singapore."

The event will be one of the first to be held following a relaxation of Singapore's safe management measures (SMMs) on 29 March 2022, with increased capacity for large-scale events and food and beverage (including alcohol) allowed within the spectator stands. Nonetheless, there will still be relevant precautions to ensure fans' safety: spectators aged above 12 must be fully vaccinated, submit a self-administered ART before entry into the venue, and be in groups of five within spectator stands. Further details of the event's SMMs can be found here.

Bringing back the buzz to Singapore's live sports scene

The Sevens is among a slew of major sports events being held in the city-state after a challenging timeout due to the pandemic. Other recent events at the Singapore Sports Hub include the US$2 million Grand Smash table tennis tournament at the OCBC Arena and One Championship's 10th anniversary show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

"We are delighted to welcome the HSBC Rugby Sevens to the Singapore Sports Hub. This is another important step towards the return of exciting large-scale live events in Singapore," said Lionel Yeo, CEO, Singapore Sports Hub.

The Singapore leg boasts some of the most memorable moments in the Sevens Series. Underdog teams Kenya and Canada won the 2016 and 2017 Singapore titles respectively, while 2018 concluded in dramatic fashion when Fiji triumphed over Australia by the slimmest of margins. In 2019, South Africa edged out Fiji 20-19 in a remarkable comeback victory.

With such a stellar track record, it's safe to say, ticket holders to this year's HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens are in a big treat.

The HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens draw

Pool A	South Africa, USA, Kenya, Canada
Pool B	Australia, England, Spain, Samoa
Pool C	Argentina, Wales, Scotland, New Zealand
Pool D	Fiji, Ireland, France, Japan

Tickets go on sale at 10am on April 3 here with prices starting from $25 for youth and $49 for adults. For the latest event happenings, please visit the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens website www.singapore7s.com.sg and follow the official Instagram and Facebook accounts. Check out Visit Singapore to discover more things to see and do to complement your Sevens weekend. Tickets purchased for the 2020 edition remain valid for the 2022 event.