We’ve been counting down to Apr 16 ever since the Singapore leg of the 2016 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series was announced. With a month to go and the full details coming together, we’re more than ready for kick off. If you haven’t already got your tickets, here’s why you need to go buy them now.

1. The culture

 

A photo posted by Hong Kong Rugby Sevens (@hksevens) on

Feb 2, 2016 at 11:54pm PST

If you’ve been to the Hong Kong Sevens, you’ll know what we’re talking about. If you have a friend who’s been to the event, you’ll know they spend the rest of the year talking about it. The centerpiece of the World Rugby Sevens Series, the Hong Kong Sevens is a non-stop party—drinks before, during and after the match mostly while wearing a flamboyant and/or inappropriate costume. We think Singapore can give them a run for their money.

2. The fringe events

 

A photo posted by Pete Tong MBE (@petetongofficial) on

Nov 2, 2015 at 8:14am PST

Wherever the World Rugby Sevens Series goes, a festival atmosphere follows. Clarke Quay and the Sports Hub will be hosting the Rock Ruck Rumble carnival with activities for kids and live performances from percussion bands and buskers.  British DJ Pete Tong is also scheduled for a set on Apr 16. Expect the list of entertainment highlights to grow.

3. The heavyweights

 

A photo posted by Dubai Rugby Sevens (@dubai7s) on

Nov 26, 2015 at 6:01am PST

Rugby sevens will make its debut at the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and that means this year’s World Rugby Sevens Series is one of the biggest ever contested. The stars of Australia, England, Fiji and South Africa will be on show along with 12-time champions New Zealand, featuring World Cup-winning All Black Sonny Bill Williams.

4. The international flavor

 

A photo posted by Sevens Wellington (@nzsevens) on

Nov 10, 2014 at 12:50am PST

And with the giants of the game come some of the most passionate fans in all of sport. It’s no coincidence that Fiji Airways will launch direct flights between Singapore and Nadi less than two weeks before the event.

5. The rise of Singapore rugby

 

A photo posted by SRU (@singaporerugby) on

Aug 16, 2015 at 3:50am PDT

This year marks the first time in a decade that the World Rugby Sevens Series will be played in Singapore and that’s indicative of how the sport has fallen from the limelight. While rugby remains massive at school and club levels, almost nothing is heard of the Singapore national team. That’s all set to change. Singapore will be represented at the Southeast Asia Sevens on the sidelines of the main event while up and coming talents will feature in the Singapore Schools and Colleges 7s.