It's not just the players that will be making headlines at this weekend World Sevens Series tournament. Most of the crowd turned out in costumes, which is a tradition that dates back more than a decade.
They say that if you don't turn out in a costume, then you may as well head home.
Rugby reporter and comical writer Jamie Wall (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) says, “It’s just a whole change of atmosphere, it looks like everyone’s responded, and it looks like they’re ready to have a good time.”
Wall, who has now hung up his costume, put away the beers in favour of a laptop and bottle of water has been to every Sevens event since it started back in Wellington in 2000.
He recalls, “One that springs to mind [are] blokes that dressed as Borat one year, that was pretty cool I thought.”
“I think for a lot of girls it’s a chance to wear something they wouldn’t normally get to do [or wear], which is really cool.”
It may be a different venue, but it still holds the same traditions of Wellington. Amongst the many are Smurfs, Break-dancers, and William Wairua.
During the interview, Wall was greeted by patrons, with one man rocking a Hawaiian shirt, “Well, I’m looking at a bloke who is dressed as Tom Selleck from Magnum P.I, which is always a good option.”
Walls advice to those wishing to attend in a costume.
“Dress for the weather. It looks like it’s going to be warm, so try and wear a singlet or something like that.”
“Make people laugh, but also make people feel comfortable.”
“Respect other people’s costumes, you see something that excites you a little bit, just remember, stay respectful, and number four just have a good time.”