Rugby Sevens will return to Vancouver for 4 more years

Mar 7 2019, 1:41 am

As if there was any doubt.

Sevens is here to stay, as Rugby Canada announced it has reached a new four-year agreement to continue hosting one of 10 stops on the World Rugby Sevens Series, keeping the tournament in Vancouver until at least 2023.

This weekend’s tournament is the final year of the initial four-year hosting agreement with World Rugby, meaning a new deal needed to be reached. Given the success of the tournament, it was a no-brainer.

Here’s a look at the current tour calendar:

  • Dubai (November)
  • Cape Town (December)
  • Hamilton, New Zealand (January)
  • Sydney (February)
  • Las Vegas (March)
  • Vancouver (March)
  • Hong Kong (April)
  • Singapore (April)
  • London (May)
  • Paris (June)

Vancouver first hosted this tournament in 2016, and did so with great success. Organizers had to expand capacity on multiple occasions, eventually drawing over 72,000 enthusiastic fans to BC Place – many of whom showed up in hilarious ‘fancy dress’ costumes – for the two-day event.

Attendance has grown year-over-year, with Sevens drawing 76,000 spectators in 2017 and 78,000 fans last year.

“The HSBC Canada Sevens Tournament has been a game changer on so many levels, and we’d like to thank World Rugby, HSBC and the global Series partners for the opportunity to once again host this great event for another four years,” said Allen Vansen, CEO of Rugby Canada in a media release.

“The success of this event is due to so many people and organizations. From the world’s best athletes and fans who shine on and off the field of play, to the dedicated partners and sponsors who are critical in bringing the event to life, to the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make this event world class – a heartfelt thanks to all for their collective commitment to excellence.”

With over 5,000 tickets sold to buyers living outside of BC last year, Canada Sevens organizers say the tournament generates more than $24 million in economic activity on an annual basis.

Over 2,300 hotel room nights are needed for players, coaches, and tournament staff each year for the 16-team tournament. Teams spend five days in Vancouver prior to the tournament, with each country visiting a school, community centre, or First Nation to promote the sport of rugby.

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