Tales from the South Stand: Hardcore Hong Kong Sevens fans fess up

Ahead of the Hong Kong Sevens on March 25-27, three hardcore fans confess their misdeeds committed over years of attending Asia's most social sporting event, and explain just why they remain so dedicated.

No prizes for guessing why they all insisted on remaining anonymous.

K.B.

K.B and his crew have hit newspaper front pages with their amazing costumes.

CNNGo: How much time do you spend preparing for the Sevens?

In truth, this process can last all year or even longer.

No Sevens is ever the same, simply because of the extraordinary levels of creativity of the fans. It's a unique event in that it allows you to express not just your love for the sport, but also patriotism, arts and poetry, in one no-holds-barred weekend per year.

Accordingly, you can shamelessly prepare as much time in advance as you’d like.

Current pop culture is always going to be a hit. The idea for our costume this year came last summer, though in the past we have abandoned good ideas the day before the event for a better one.

Once we spent nearly 18 months conceptualizing and constructing a costume.

CNNGo: What is the craziest thing you have ever done at the Sevens?

My personal favourite was a few years ago. Some punter fell asleep smack bang in the center of the South Stand, during one of the finals on Sunday. The few around him that noticed started hushing the crowd, and moved away from him to create space.

Eventually, there were 5,000 people in the South Stand saying nothing, but making shushing noises, with a 10-seat wide bank of empty seats down the entire stand, with just this one poor punter asleep in the center. Thousands of people, during a final -- poetry, man.

Eventually he awoke to a very loud cheer from the stand. He stood, bowed, and downed a pint.

Another story: a few hours after a day’s play, we ended up at the bars in Wanchai. For whatever reason, two of us decided to race down Lockhart Road in a bet for the next round and return across the walkover to Immigration Tower -- completely naked.

We stripped down without a second thought and were off. Three-quarters of the way we could see the finish and noticed nobody was there. We returned to find that all of our clothes and belongings had been stolen.

Spirits however were intact, so we sheepishly hobbled to 7-Eleven and stole newspapers which we used to fashion a skirt. You would be surprised how many strangers will buy you a beer in a bar wearing a newspaper skirt without explanation.

CNNGo: What is the rundown for the three-day event?

Saturday, anything goes. Pack spare undies and carry nothing you’ll miss. Arrive early, start hard, drink plenty of water, and remember to take a dump before you get to the South Stand.

Plan for nothing because I guarantee a better option will arise. If you intend to wear nothing but body paint and nipple tassels, this is the day to do it.

Don’t plan on meeting anybody that you know in a professional capacity on Sunday.

CNNGo: Who do you cheer for?

Hong Kong is my first and purest love. Passionately and aggressively. I wear Hong Kong colours and even elaborate costumes include elements of patriotism. We know the guys from the rugby scene, play against their clubs, and chase the same women in the bars. We’re blood.

Beyond that, due to an absence of any other allegiances I find myself leaning towards the Fijians, mainly because of how passionately their fans support them, and because they play an open, aggressive, and creative brand of Sevens rugby.

The Fijians live not for rugby, but for Sevens rugby specifically, and they will stop dead to watch their team perform. The Fijian players aren’t trying to showcase themselves for Tri- or Six- nations 15s sides or using the Sevens as a platform to springboard to Super rugby, they aspire to play Sevens, they want to be here and now.

CNNGo: Who do you boo?

You needn’t travel far to find anti-French sentiment.

CNNGo: Advice for first-time South Standers?

It can get very hot so think carefully before putting on a chicken suit, dressing as Willy Wonka, or other costumes that require layers and fabrics. As little clothing as possible is always best.

Carry nothing valuable. If you have an expensive mobile phone, leave it at home and pop by Wanchai to buy a cheap Nokia.

Bring a responsible friend (females in relationships or new fathers are good options) who will act not as a designated driver, but can carry stuff you will need but are likely to lose, like sunblock.

Do not carry your passport because if you plant those seeds, you could wake up anywhere.

Please, for the love of all things holy, leave any judgment at home.

As for costumes, nothing is too risqué and anything creative will win plaudits. Last year there was a bloke dressed as Michael Phelps in swimwear with 11 medals and a bong. I laughed every time he entered my eyeline and I don’t reckon the bloke needed to pay for a beer all day.