Kenya's Billy Odhiambo vies with France's Stephen Parez during the World Rugby Men's Seven Series match between Kenya and France on December 2, 2016 in Dubai. / AFP PHOTO /The Wellington leg of the World Sevens Series kicks off tomorrow with poor crowds again dominating the build-up to the two-day event. The sevens was once the hottest ticket in the New Zealand capital and tickets for both days at the 35,000-capacity Westpac Stadium sold out within minutes. But the party atmosphere that used to attract tens of thousands of fans in fancy dress has dissipated and organisers expect only 15,000 a day this year. Martin Snedden, the sports administrator in charge when New Zealand hosted the 2011 Rugby World Cup, said it was time for a change of venue after 18 years in Wellington.

Source: Standard Digital January 26, 2017 20:43 UTC