Rugby 7’s Attracts Record Crowds

For those who have never attended the Rugby 7’s have been missing out on some exceptional Men’s and Women’s Rugby on display at BC Place.

Rather than just sit in the press box as I usually do, I wanted to get the overall feel of the “vibe” from the fans sitting throughout the building.

Fair to say that while the press box has its “perks” the atmosphere comes from everyone in the stands with fans coming from various cities throughout Canada and the US.

The event all kicked-off midday Friday and to my surprise there was a good size crowd on hand which also attracted several schools from the area all being bussed in to BC Place.

Talking about possible future Rugby players this year marked the tenth anniversary of the Rugby Sevens also noting that it is the third consecutive year that there are over 6000 students attended the 7’s – all free. 

Seven’s work diligently with the Vancouver School Board and various schools in Burnaby, North Vancouver and Coquitlam who have the chance to attend matches February 21 ( Friday) on the opening day of HSBC SVNS Vancouver. 

This was first introduced in t2023 and since then the Youth Super Session is the highlight of the annual community events and youth engagement opportunities.

It is affiliated with HSBC SVNS Vancouver. Including 2025, more than 18,000 youth will have been able to watch the tournament for free over the last three years.  

Helen McGregor, VSB Superintendent mentioned in a press release “We are deeply grateful that through this partnership, students across VSB are able to take in the excitement and joy of sport.”

She continued “Student well-being is our top priority, and opportunities such as this help foster school communities where students can learn, see themselves, feel supported and be connected – all of which encourage holistic student development.”    

The Rugby Sevens tournament first came to Vancouver in 2016 noting that Rugby Canada has delivered more than 50 community events in the Vancouver area which has reached over 20,000 kids through Youth Super Session.

Rookie Rugby Festivals, on-field activations at BC Place, and school and Indigenous community visits with our Canadian and other international sevens teams.

With the community events planned for 2025, Rugby Canada will reach the milestone of engaging more than 25,000 youth with rugby while celebrating the tenth anniversary of Vancouver Sevens.  

Steph Veal, Senior Manager of Game Development with Rugby Canada mentioned “The legacy and community events that we have hosted over the last 10 years have been a core component of what makes the Vancouver Sevens event so successful,” 

Continuing to say “The tournament has allowed us to create meaningful and long-lasting connections with schools and our rugby community in BC which has helped us grow the game and expose more Canadians to rugby.”