Wellington Sevens - half the players, twice the fun
Ninja Turtles, Neanderthal cavemen and flocks of two-legged sheep are but a few of the outrageous costumes you might see at one of New Zealand’s most popular annual rugby events, the NZI Sevens.
The NZI Sevens is held at Wellington's Westpac Stadium, in early February each year. The event attracts more than 34,000 people and guarantees a carnival atmosphere over two days. While most come to enjoy the excitement of the football, many come for the party atmosphere the Wellington leg of the series has become renowned for.
Creativity is high on the agenda as groups of supporters adorn themselves in themed costumes to transform the stadium into a sea of colour and imagination. The popular event invariably sells out within minutes of tickets going on sale.
The NZI Sevens involve 16 international teams competing for points that go towards the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series. Eight tournaments make up the IRB series, with Welington beng the third leg.
The Sevens variation of rugby union is played under the same rules of rugby however each game runs for two seven-minute halves, with the final being played over two 10-minute halves.
After a day at the NZI Sevens you’ll find most of the supporters, and even some players celebrating with an ice cold beer. And in Wellington, lovers of a fine ale are spoilt for choice.
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