Sports: Fans and players welcome return of HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens; Fiji defeats New Zealand to win 2022 title

The HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens returned to the National Stadium at Singapore Sports Hub in style as the world’s best rugby sevens teams put up thrilling displays in front of a sold-out crowd over two days. The April 9-10 event culminated in 2018 Singapore Sevens champions Fiji defeating 2020 Series champions New Zealand 28- 17 in the final.

The 2022 Singapore Sevens featured a full slate of 16 teams for the first time since 2019, including Samoa, New Zealand and Olympic champions Fiji, who made their first appearances of the 2022 Series. The Singapore Sevens was the fifth of nine stops on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, and the 2022 event was attended by 22,000 fans over two days.

Steven Rodaway, General Manager, HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens, said: “Congratulations to Fiji on becoming the 2022 HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens champions. It’s wonderful that the Singapore Sevens is back after two years, and we’re pleased that it has been a success once again. This event is traditionally a highlight on Singapore’s sporting calendar and there was a lot of entertainment for everyone both on and off the pitch. We’re glad everyone was able to enjoy a good time at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens. There was great energy in the stands and the Fun Zone was very well received by our young spectators. We look forward to welcoming our fans back next year.”

The HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens is the first major sporting event in Singapore to allow consumption of food and drink in the spectator stands since the pandemic. The exhilarating rugby sevens action on the pitch was complemented with family-friendly activities and programmes, such as an inflatable playground and movie screenings at the 100PLUS Promenade outside the National Stadium. In addition to the live rugby action on the pitch, the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens also led community engagement initiatives with Project Kind and SportCares. These initiatives gave participants the rare opportunity to play alongside legends such as Waisale Serevi from Fiji.

The 2022 Singapore Sevens was welcomed by fans and players alike. Australia Sevens captain Nicholas Malouf said: “It’s great to be back in Singapore; the people here are lovely. I was lucky enough to try some local dishes during the week and play a bit of chapteh. We experienced a couple of local activities and we love it here. The weather is pretty similar to home, so it’s nice.”

Spectator Kenny Lee, 36, who attended the event with his two young children, said: “It’s great to be back here at the Singapore Sevens again, the kids are enjoying it. It’s a good way to spend the weekend.”

Photo Credit: HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens

HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2022 ran from 9th to 10th April 2022 at the National Stadium.