Over the last two seasons, Vancouver has fallen in love with Rugby Canada Sevens as it’s taken over BC Place each March. This year, rugby fans don’t have to wait until Spring for great International Rugby action, in November Rugby Canada men’s fifteens team hosts New Zealand’s Maori All Blacks for the first time in Vancouver. As noted by their name, the Maori All Blacks, are an all Maori team with a long tradition of Rugby in New Zealand and internationally. The initiators of the famed haka, that is also now performed by all the Kiwi teams, Maori All Blacks have beaten Canada in all five of their prior meetings.
With the popularity of Canada Sevens, USA Sevens in Las Vegas and the upcoming 2018 Sevens World Cup in San Francisco, the West Coast is becoming a Sevens mecca but this is a chance to see world-class Fifteens rugby and support the #rednation. Fifteens rugby or Rugby Union is a more tactical, aggressive longer form of rugby than the fast paced, quick matches that Vancouverites see on the pitch during Canada Sevens. As Rugby Canada still hopes to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and with a change in coaching, any chance to play against quality opponents helps gain Team Canada’s experience before they take on Uruguay in January world cup qualifying.
Tickets are on sale now, and selling record-fast, with more than 65% of tickets being sold in the first three days.
Rugby Canada vs Maori All Blacks takes place at 7pm on Friday, November 3rd at BC Place.
Let’s all #RISEasOne and cheer on our Rugby Canada players.