Nicolle, originally from Perth, Scotland, said he and his friends have showed up in the past as the Flintstones, Santa Claus and Robin Hood.
London-based New Zealander Ross Merritt and friends opted for what he called an 1980s New Zealand-style outfit -- brown shorts, cream vests and white hats. The 32-year-old accountant said he's here for "probably the party more than the rugby."
The rugby still matters, he said. "When big teams turn out, everyone still wants to watch the rugby."
The irreverent audience of Hong Kong rugby events has its roots in the humble beginnings of its annual sevens tournament. Launched in 1976, the contest started out as a casual affair at the Hong Kong Football Club.
Brunei-based Briton Chris Bell, 50, played in and attended some of those tournaments. "We partied and played at the same time," the education company head said.
The audience lounged on the grass and picnicked, bringing their own food and drinks, Bell recalled.
Asked if Hong Kong's party-minded fans undermined the seriousness of the World Cup, International Rugby Board spokesman Greg Thomas said the casual atmosphere was part of the sevens identity.
"It is serious. It isn't serious," he told a reporter.
Thomas said he appreciated how all teams enjoyed strong crowd support in Hong Kong, a former British colony with a sizable expatriate population.
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