The Hong Kong Sevens, which has been on hiatus for three years due to the epidemic, has embraced more than 34,000 fans to cheer for the rugby teams during a three-day period that kicked off on November 4.

Nine foreign tourists were banned from entering the stadium on the first two days as they have yet to complete the '0+3' entry quarantine arrangement.

"We were not informed [with the regulation] when we bought the tickets for the game," said Reiner, one of the affected South African travellers, "we would come to the city earlier if we were told we could be banned from the venue."

Reiner noted it was only when scanning the LeaveHomeSafe QR code at the game's entrance on the opening day that he knew he was holding the amber codes.

He added that he and his friends could only have fast food for meals on that two days due to the disease-prevention measures. "It is very inconvenient, and I suppose I might not come to Hong Kong again in the short term," he said.

The affected travellers saw their health codes turn blue on Sunday and were offered tickets refund by Hong Kong Rugby Union chief executive Robbie McRobbie, who also provided them with the suites to watch the game.

"It is the visitors' responsibility to be aware of the epidemic restrictions when they travel elsewhere," said McRobbie, "but we should also provide clear information for requirements to enter the venue."

Separately, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu posted on his Facebook today that he is looking forward to the game's final. "It's the last day of the tournament; see you tonight!" he wrote.