On the day that the Cathay Pacific / Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens kicks off, we ask why Asia's premier rugby event is quite so special for the players.
Kenya and West Indies kick off proceedings at So Kon Po at 08:30am GMT time, the first of 12 matches on day one. Besides the 'big four', in the pick of the other matches the hosts take on San Diego winners Argentina, USA play Scotland, Australia play Zimbabwe and World Champions Wales face Japan.
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"There's magic there in the Hong Kong Sevens. It's the oldest Sevens tournament in the world and of course the Fijian people really look forward to it.- Iliesa Tanivula, Fiji coach
"Over the years Fiji has been successful here, probably one of the teams that has won it the most and of course it has produced a number of top players over the years, from David Campese and all those guys, and hopefully we'll get up and do something.
"There's an expectation out there so hopefully that's something for us to suck in, get out there and do something."
"It's massive. Without doubt it's the biggest tournament in the World Series calendar so it's fantastic to be back again, an amazing place to be, to play rugby and I just can't wait to get out there."- Tom Varndell, England
"For an England boy to be out in Hong Kong and playing over the next few days, honestly it's a memory that they're going to cherish.- Ben Ryan, England coach
"The place buzzes and rocks when England play and these guys are just going to have the best time. I said to them that when they leave on Sunday they're not going to want to because it's going to feel so good here."
"There's something about this Hong Kong tournament. Everyone wants to come on this tour, so it hasn't required much to pick up the boys. They know it's a big stage and just being here and playing at their level best would be something that we as players want to do.- Humphrey Kayange, Kenya captain
"I think it's the history in Hong Kong and the atmosphere. Players love coming here and when we play in Hong Kong we remember our tournament back home because everyone out here is there to watch some good rugby and we've been playing well here too, so that adds something when it comes to playing here."
"It's the atmosphere. Hong Kong used to be the only tournament and there are some others that are competing against Hong Kong but you'll never replace Hong Kong.- Gordon Tietjens, New Zealand coach
"The nature of support's pretty level here, there's a lot of supporters out there supporting every team, it's not just one team and one country. Perhaps the English get more than the other teams but we get a lot as well and it's just a great tournament to win and there's a lot of pride in winning it."
"What a special tournament the Hong Kong Sevens is to play. For me it was where I started playing IRB Sevens, I made my debut here so it's always been a special ground for me.- Mzwandile Stick, South Africa captain
"I think it's the best Sevens tournament, it's almost a tradition that when it comes to Hong Kong everyone looks forward to watching it. It's also 30 points for the winners and at the moment we're on top with England on 60 points so we know that if you win this one you've got a real chance to win the whole season."
"I think anybody's who's ever watched Sevens would associate Hong Kong massively with Sevens. Everybody realises it's one of the biggest tournaments and that's why it's got double points for the World Series.- Paul John, Wales coach (World Champions)
"It's a phenomenal tournament to play in and it's brilliant for these youngsters to come and develop their skills and show what they can do on a national stage, hopefully we can do ourselves justice."
Kenya and West Indies kick off proceedings at So Kon Po at 08:30am GMT time, the first of 12 matches on day one. Besides the 'big four', in the pick of the other matches the hosts take on San Diego winners Argentina, USA play Scotland, Australia play Zimbabwe and World Champions Wales face Japan.
Click here to check all of the latest odds with Paddy Power
