Sevens party kicks off

Special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in So Kon Po and Causeway Bay from today to Sunday for the Hong Kong Sevens, with more than 30,000 fans expected at the Hong Kong Stadium to welcome its return after three years.

Hong Kong begin their campaign against World Rugby Sevens Series holders Australia in the last match of an eight-game program on opening day. They round out their Pool A campaign tomorrow against 11-time winners New Zealand and a very physical Samoa side.

The city's most-capped Sevens player, Salom Yiu Kam-shing, will be making his 11th appearance in his home Sevens alongside five players marking their tournament debut - Alessandro Nardoni, Liam Doherty, Pierce Mackinlay-West, Mak Kwai-chung and Harry Sayers.

The Transport Department announced the closure of roads near the stadium and the temporary diversion or relocation of 15 bus and minibus routes.

Starting at 1.30pm today, the section of Caroline Hill Road between Leighton Road and Cotton Path and part of Hysan Avenue westbound will be closed.

Appropriate traffic signs will be placed at the locations to guide motorists.

In addition, public transport operators will display notices to inform passengers of the temporary arrangements.

Restaurant operators near the stadium are hoping the crowds will boost the weekend business.

A restaurant manager said: "I hope the audience will come to eat and drink before or after the match and I hope that we can promote our beer during the big events being held."

Hong Kong Tourism Board executive director Dane Cheng Ting-yat welcomed the return of the Sevens, saying: "The intense matches among some of the world's top rugby players will fill Hong Kong with energy, showcasing our dynamic city's ambience to all foreign spectators."

The Jockey Club Community Experience is providing 7,000 free tickets to nongovernment organizations and charity groups.

Players of the Jockey Club Bill Williams Youth Sevens Tournament will also be invited to watch the matches, along with over 200 volunteers from joint community projects and students recruited to this year's Jockey Club Friday Sevens School Tour program.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com