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Rugby mania descends upon Singapore every April. This year, from 13 to 14 April, expect it to reach fever pitch with the adrenaline-pumping festivities and carnival-esque mood at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens.

As Singapore gears up to play host to the biggest celebration of rugby sevens in Southeast Asia, we provide a quick peek into our top ten family-friendly pitch-side experiences.

1. Count on elite, heart-racing rugby. The HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens boasts an electrifying seven-a-side format, played at a much faster pace than the conventional 15-a-side format. The tournament promises a rousing atmosphere with plenty of tries and high-scoring action.

Additionally, you know you can expect quality when the top four teams that emerge from the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2019 will qualify to compete in the 2020 Summer Olympics. The HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2019, being stop 8 out of 10, is a turning point for teams to improve their standing in hopes of gaining a spot on the Olympic stage, so get ready for a real battle.

2. How many rugby powerhouses can you pack into one stadium? Witness 16 of the world’s top teams go at it in Singapore, including the 2018 winner of the Singapore Sevens and defending Olympic champion Fiji, as well as traditional powerhouses New Zealand, England, South Africa and Australia. Get caught up in fan fervour as people from all over the world gather to declare their team loyalty and support their rugby idols.

3. Experience rugby in a bucket list-worthy venue. The Singapore Sevens will be held at the iconic Singapore Sports Hub, an architectural marvel boasting the largest free-spanning domed roof in the world.

4. Participate in no-pressure karaoke. An annual tradition at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens, the stadium transforms into a massive karaoke booth, with thousands of fans belting their hearts out to lyrics flashed around the arena on LED screens and the jumbotron. Everyone can get involved, no judging allowed!

5. And the award for Best Dressed goes to… Fancy dress has been always synonymous with rugby, and the quirky costumes add to the carnival vibe that infects the entire stadium. Level up your squad goals and get the family together to dress up in funky outfits – from roman gladiators to geishas to baby shark onesies.

6. Take your #selfie game to the next level with Shrek. DreamWorks will provide a huge array of family entertainment with a host of immersive and interactive experiences. Take the kids to a stage appearance by Poppy and Branch from the Trolls franchise as well as meet-and-greets with beloved characters from Shrek and Kung Fu Panda. Fans will also be able to enjoy free all-day screenings of DreamWorks television series such as Trolls: The Beat Goes On! and Dragons: Race to the Edge.

7. Get ready for head-banging with Smash Mouth… Speaking of Shrek, channel your inner Donkey and sing along to tunes from the movie’s iconic soundtrack with legendary American band, Smash Mouth, headlining on Saturday, 13 April. Bop along to the multi-platinum band’s major hits including “All Star,” “I’m a Believer,” “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby” and “Walkin’ on the Sun.”

8. … and body-swaying with 80s hair rock. On Sunday, 14 April, the band from the original cast of Broadway’s five-time Tony Awardnominated musical Rock of Ages, will perform a set of 80s rock classics and crowd favourites.

9. Indulge in family-friendly festivities at the Fun Zone. The Singapore Sevens Fun Zone will feature plenty of activities including rugby-themed games, drone racing, performances by buskers, fairground games and meet-and-greet sessions with rugby legends. There will also be a dedicated Kid Zone showcasing performances, music and magic to keep the kids enthralled throughout the weekend.

10. Beat the heat at the first Singapore Sevens Splash Party. A first at this year’s tournament, the Singapore Sevens Splash Party is a pool-side bash for all members of the family to enjoy. Come to Singapore Sports Hub’s Splash-N-Surf to experience live performances from well-known local acts, roaming entertainment, lucky draws and a fully curated Big Screen show throughout the day.