Hong Kong Rugby 7s: The 3-day party

The Hong Kong Rugby 7s is a massive, once a year rugby event that is almost as much about the rugby as it is the booze and partying. 7s weekend is huge and if you're in Hong Kong, be there, and if you're not in Hong Kong, get there. Fans of rugby almost outnumber the fans of beer and champagne, and both would be remiss to skip out on this sports-drinking weekend. While corpulent thugs fight for the oval in the stadium, all around the city bars open their doors to hordes of rugby fans to supply bottomless kegs and a three-day party you'll never forget. But do take lots of pictures, just in case. 

What to buy:

Soy Street in Mongkok is the place to stock up on authorized sporting shirts of favorite teams for cheap-as-Tsingtao-beer prices, or head round the corner to the Ladies' Market for selections of t-shirts and other casual gear. To preorder, check out HK7.kukrisports.com. Those who prefer a more unique look can turn to Brand HK, which will print personalized t-shirts in just three hours. The price for a minimum of 10 items is HK$160 per T-shirt.

For Rugby 7s, Hong Kong Stadium is an undulating mass of (mainly British, Aussie and Kiwi) characters gathered in one spot drinking, cheering, and occasionally glancing at the game on the field. Tickets can be purchased online at HKticketing.com. 

Couldn't get tickets? There's always The Wanch. Loads of pubs with live games can be found in Wan Chai. Then of course, there's Lan Kwai Fong. LKF during 7s resembles Mardi Gras for crazy people. You'll be lucky to find a seat, luckier still not to lose a shoe at some point, but you'll be sure to have a great time. And if you're way away from all the action on Hong Kong Island, try the After 5 Sports Bar in Tai Po. Though removed from the masses, the dive bar still provides the proper 7s environment with plenty of drinking and an appropriate level of seediness. 

Everywhere.

Rugby 7s certainly has a colonial flair. If you're seeking out a bit of imperial nostalgia to accompany the debauchery, you can stay at the Mingle Place by the Park. Its British architecture and 1960s deco is straight colonial syle Hong Kong. Prices for a double room start at HK$1,000. For something a bit more out of the crowds, and out of this century, stay in a native American-style tent at the Palm Beach Hotel on Lantau Island. HK$450 to stay in a hand-painted tent, equipped with fire pit and traditional mattresses. Of course there are more options available for the slightly less adventurous.

Aside from the usual greasy fare required to soak up the previous day's (yes, drinking is done while the sun is bright and high this weekend) alcoholic intake, there does exist lighter, more rabbit-suitable food. Take World Peace Buddhist Café in Wanchai. With its veggie smoothies and mock-meat dishes, your liver will be grateful for the temporary hiatus in abuse. 

Suit up. Doesn't matter who you support, just get into the spirit.

Able to wake up the next morning? Need a bit of a 7s break? Try climbing a 40-foot tall rock with an awesome view of Hong Kong’s skyline. Climbing group Project X organizes rock climbing tours for beginners and intermediate climbers. Or, there's always a heart pumping dirt bike ride to cure a hangover. At the MX Club you can skid in the mud for an hour starting from HK$500. A four lesson training course is HK$1,800. From 10am to 6pm, excluding Mondays.

For an intellectual break, visit Kowloon. Yes, Kowloon. Not the strip joints (unless that was the plan.) The Broadway Cinematheque, right at the end of Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei, specializes in alternative Asian cinema. The literary café at the ground floor, with its massive selection of Asian movies, is definitely worth a visit.