Rugby Sevens kick off in Wellington
05 Feb 2009
International rugby teams and fans from all over New Zealand are descending on Wellington this weekend (6 - 7 February) to play their part in the NZI Rugby Sevens.
The international rugby tournament kicks off on Friday - New Zealand's national holiday Waitangi Day - in the capital's Westpac Stadium.
The tournament involves 16 teams competing for points that go towards the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series.
Countries represented are: South Africa, Kenya, Scotland, Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, Wales, Niue, England, Argentina, France, Canada, Fiji, Samoa, USA, Cook Islands.
Summer rugby fest
Since the first international tournament 10 years ago in Wellington's brand new stadium - affectionately known as 'the cake tin' - the Sevens has become an annual summer rugby fest attracting 35,000 fans to the city for a huge weekend of sports and partying.
It's become a tradition for groups of fans to dress for the games in weird and outlandish costumes, turning each game - and the streets before and after matches - into a colourful spectacle.
The party atmosphere extends throughout the central city as those who can't make it to the venue can watch the action, live from the stadium, on giant screens at several different locations.
After the matches, the city's entertainment quarter - Courtenay Place - is closed to traffic to become 'party central'.
IRB Sevens World Series tournaments
The IRB Sevens World Series tournaments started in Hong Kong in 2000.
New Zealand is one of seven countries hosting the 2008/09 IRB Sevens World Series.
Tournaments are also played in George (South Africa), San Diego (United States), Hong Kong, Adelaide (Australia), Twickenham (England) and Edinburgh (Scotland).
2009 NZI Rugby Sevens pool draw
Pool A:
South Africa
Kenya
Scotland
Tonga
Pool B:
New Zealand
Australia
Wales
Niue
Pool C:
England
Argentina
France
Canada
Pool D:
Fiji
Samoa
USA
Cook Islands
More information:
Wellington Rugby Sevens: half the players, twice the fun
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