Rugby under the world’s largest dome, rain or shine.
The World Rugby Sevens Series is returning to Singapore after a decade’s absence. In April 2015 Singapore clinched a four-year deal to host a leg of the HSBC World Sevens Series, joining Vancouver, Sydney, Cape Town and Paris as new host cities on the ten-city tour. Singapore last hosted the world’s premier Sevens series in 2002 and between 2004 and 2006 at the former National Stadium.
The HSBC Singapore Sevens 2016 is just the latest of a number of world-class sporting events to have recently been added to a jam-packed Singapore sporting calendar. Each year it all begins with the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, held over four days in September. This race is an absolutely unique experience: it’s the world’s only night-race in the F1 grand prix circuit and the only street race in the Asian region. The following month, the greatest women tennis players on the planet descend on Singapore for the season-ending crown jewel of the WTA circuit, the BNP PARIBAS WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, to battle for one of tennis’ most prestigious prizes. Singapore also plays host to the BARCLAY’S ASIA TROPHY, the only Premier League-affiliated competition in the world to take place outside of England.
TOP-CLASS RUGBY UNDER THE WORLD'S LARGEST DOME .. RAIN OR SHINE
The HSBC Singapore Sevens 2016 will be played at the National Stadium on April 16-17. The venue is the crown jewel of the Singapore Sports Hub, which was opened on June 30, 2014 and is a fully integrated sports, lifestyle and entertainment destination.
Constructed at a cost of S$1.87 billion, the National Stadium is the only such venue in the world able to host a multitude of sporting events of international federation standard, thanks to its flexible, reconfigurable seating capability (with a full capacity of up to 55,000). It is a state-of-the-art arena featuring the latest in cooling technology.
Its retractable roof – possibly the most favoured feature in Singapore by locals and visitors alike – creates the world’s biggest free-standing dome and also opens up to the city’s iconic skyline. The roof takes approximately 25 minutes to open or close. It is made from a lightweight material called ETFE, which is weather-resistant and blocks the sun’s heat. The dome provides shade, protecting spectators from the hot and humid Singapore weather during the day, as well as from potential torrential downpours. At night, the retractable roof doubles as a giant projector screen and can display stunning images such as the Singapore flag.
The iconic National Stadium has already hosted football events such as a 55,000 sold-out Brazil vs Japan friendly, the aforementioned Barclays Asia Trophy and last June’s inaugural rugby World Club 10s which saw the Auckland-based Blues (led by World-Cup-winning former All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu) beating the Canberra Brumbies 10-5 in an overtime thriller. There is no doubt Singapore is ready to showcase to the world the best of Rugby Sevens and to position itself as a unique destination on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit.
All the thrills and spills of Sevens Rugby are heading to Singapore. (Photo by Getty Images)THE IDEAL HOST CITY FOR A SEVENS SERIES STOP
With Rugby Sevens making its Olympic debut at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, Singapore can also now connect with an Olympic sport at the highest level.
Australian fans of the game may be pleasantly surprised to discover that Singapore has quite a long and proud rugby history of its own dating back to its first appearance in the sport at the Southeast Asian Games in 1977, and to its third-placing at Kuala Lumpur’s Asian Rugby tournament the following year. Since then, the island nation has proven an ultra-competitive guest at the world-famous Hong Kong Sevens: in 2002 they even scored a historic first sevens win over Japan! The hard work put in by the nation’s rugby fraternity over many decades finally began to bear fruit in 2008 when the 15s Singapore Rugby Lions were crowned champions of the ARFU’s Rugby Division 2. Singapore moved up to an unprecedented 48th in the world rankings that year (first among Southeast Asia teams) and in 2009 had the honour of joining the elite of Asian rugby in the highest echelon of ARFU competition.
Sports aside, the buzzing metropolis of Singapore is an attraction in itself. The island state is known for its safe streets and rapid progress, earning a spot among the world’s top cities when it comes to cuisine, arts, architecture and culture.
Due to its strategic location in the heart of culture-rich Southeast Asia and its accessibility from the Asia-Pacific region and further, it is a converging point for people from all around the world. A diverse living community is the foundation of what makes Singapore unique. The city’s multi-ethnic culture and heritage has served up a multitude of colourful cuisines, each with its own flavour and aroma.
The colourful Haji Lane at Kampong Glam is peppered with quirky boutiques and multi-label stores (Photo by Afur Wong)Singapore is also considered a shopping paradise, attracting some of the world’s top brands and most exciting boutiques to its shores. Escape the modern buildings and delve into thriving enclaves like Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam, or any of the museums, to get a culture and history fix.
A nature reprieve in the city is also possible with a visit to the Gardens by the Bay – an award-winning futuristic horticultural destination – and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the country’s first UNESCO Heritage Site and a fitting testament to the city's reputation as a "City in a Garden".
The Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay. (Photo by Marklin Ang)WHAT KIND OF SINGAPORE SEVENS CAN WE EXPECT?
The Singapore Sevens promises to be a sensational tournament that engages people from all walks of life. The winning blend of compelling and competitive action and the festival atmosphere of a major sporting event is a proven formula that makes Sevens a hit with fans all over the world.
On top of all the on-field action, a range of fringe activities will be rolled out leading up to the weekend tournament – including a Sevens event for Southeast Asian teams and clinics with rugby legends. This will connect a community of both committed and potential rugby fans and will help advance the development of the game and quality of players in Singapore and beyond.
The Singapore Rugby Sevens promises thrilling on-field action and an electrifying atmosphere, so expect great entertainment for everyone in Singapore next April.
VITAL INFORMATION
Event: HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2016
Date: Saturday, 16 April and Sunday, 17 April
Venue: National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub, 1 Stadium Drive, Singapore 397629
Time: 10am to 8pm (doors open 8am)
Teams Playing: 16 teams, comprising Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, the United States and Wales plus one wildcard
GETTING SOCIAL
For more information, visit www.singapore7s.sg or follow them on: Facebook @Singapore Rugby 7s, Twitter @SgRugby7s and Instagram @SgRugby7s
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