Captains from the world’s leading men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams convened at Sunset Beach in Downtown Vancouver on Tuesday in anticipation of the upcoming Vancouver Sevens tournament, scheduled for February 21-23. This gathering served as a ceremonial kickoff for the event, which will bring together 12 elite teams from around the globe.
The captains were met with a traditional welcome from Mike Billy Sr., hereditary chief of the Squamish Nation, who shared the cultural significance of canoes, highlighting their role in Indigenous identity and heritage. This cultural immersion set a celebratory tone ahead of the high-stakes competition.
Canada’s women’s team will be making their return to home soil for the first time since securing a historic silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing in Pool A alongside Australia, Brazil, and Spain, the Canadian squad is eager to showcase their talent. Key player Charity Williams, a three-time Olympian, is on the brink of reaching her milestone of 100 tries and 500 career points.
Meanwhile, the men’s competition will feature closely contested matchups, with Olympic champions New Zealand leading the standings after a strong performance that included a victory in Cape Town and two silvers in Perth and Dubai. They will face off against China, Ireland, and the USA in Pool B. The competition for the men’s title is particularly fierce, as Fiji, Argentina, and Spain are currently tied at the top with 48 points.
As the tournament approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable. Canada captain Piper Logan expressed the team’s confidence after their recent fourth-place finish in Perth, emphasizing the importance of home support in Vancouver. Argentina’s captain Santiago Mare and Australia’s captain Isabella Nasser echoed similar sentiments about the vibrant atmosphere and their readiness to compete.
This year’s Vancouver Sevens festival marks the 10th anniversary of this Canadian leg of the series, promising an enhanced experience for fans with a variety of food offerings, live entertainment, and interactive activities, including a snowball obstacle course and axe-throwing competition with the captains.
The tournament is set to begin on Friday with pool matches and will culminate in finals on Sunday. The women’s final is anticipated to be the grand finale of the tournament, highlighting the growth of rugby sevens and the commitment of World Rugby to promote the sport globally, particularly among women.
Fans can look forward to thrilling rugby action, cultural engagement, and a festive atmosphere in Vancouver, providing an optimistic view for the future of rugby sevens on the international scene. With increased global participation and recognition, this event is not just a challenge, but a celebration of athleticism and cultural heritage.
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