The 2018 edition of HSBC Canada Sevens Vancouver wrapped up with a record attendance of 77,096 coming through the gates at BC Place this weekend. If you haven’t attended Canada Sevens or any other stop on the Sevens Series, it’s hard to imagine just how much fun the fans have at the stadium. Fancy Dress, costumed groups of supporters fill the stadium (and the city) from 8:30am until after 7pm for two days to watch two days of quick, high scoring, action-packed matches of Rugby Sevens. With sixteen teams from around the globe competing, it feels like the world comes to BC Place for the tournament, even Marvel hero Thor got into the spirit and dressed up as Chris Hemsworth when he stopped by the stadium on Sunday.
After 45 exciting matches over the two days, Fiji came away with their second win of then 2018 HSBC Seven Series. The crowd packed in all 39,000 seats on a sold out Saturday, not an empty seat was had for the home team’s debut against Australia. A thrilling match that Canada pull even with Oz on the final play. A hard fought match against the USA ended in a loss on a last minute turn over before wrapping up the day on a convincing 47-5 win over Uruguay. Combined with an Australian win over USA on Day 1’s final match meant Canada finished 3rd in Pool A and wouldn’t advance to play for the Cup on Day 2.
A sunny Sunday brought more fancy dress wearing crowds and more action-packed matches. A Canadian loss to Scotland early on Day 2 meant the home team wouldn’t challenge for the Challenger Trophy and at the end of the day one more win and loss meant 14th place for Canada.
The audience was far from disappointed with Canada’s good play over all their matches but Rugby Sevens moves so quickly one play can change the outcome in a snap. The final set up to between Kenya and Fiji, both teams with large contingents of cheering fans. Team Fiji has so many supporters in BC Place that it felt like a home match for them.
The 2019 Canada Sevens men’s tournament is set for next spring but this year Vancouver is bidding to bring 4 more years of Canada Sevens to the city from 2020 – 2023. If you missed out this year make sure to get your tickets for next year’s HSBC Canada Sevens Vancouver. For more great Sevens action, catch Canada’s Olympic Bronze medal winning Women’s team at HSBC Canada Women’s Sevens at Westhills Stadium in Langford (Greater Victoria) May 12-13, 2018 and catch the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco July 20-22, 2018.