Rugby sevens return to Vancouver

Rugby sevens are returning to Vancouver this month, amidst a global celebration of the sport.

From Feb. 23 to Feb. 25 a frenzy of fans will flock to BC Place for a three day event featuring performances from the best teams in the world.

Jamie Levchuk, managing director of HSBC Vancouver Sevens, says the event will feature the 12 best men’s and women’s teams — but the it’s about more than just the sport.

“It’s just as much about the international festival and the party in the stands and around the city, as it is about the action on the field,” Levchuk said.

In addition to the weekend action, Levchuk says schools in the region will be coming to meet the teams and learn about the game during Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning this week. Coaching clinics will also be happening during the week.

Luckily, he adds, both Canada’s men’s and women’s teams made their respective top 12 this year, meaning the tournament will include home games for the Canadian teams.

Levchuk says the teams are all in the city as of Monday, spending their time warming up and training for the first match on Friday.

In contrast to rugby 15s, Levchuk says rugby sevens has less people on the same sized field, which “opens the game up a lot.”

“There’s really no other sporting event like it,” he said.

The games are quick, taking only 14 minutes each, and there will be a new game every 22 minutes, Levchuk adds.

Vancouver is the fourth stop in the series, which is travelling all over the world. Upcoming stops include Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore and Madrid.

Not only will the event showcase internationally renowned athletes, it will also feature a parade of costumes from the sport’s fans. Levchuk says the costumes are often a group affair.

“You’ll see… 20 Gord Downies or a group of matadors or minions, it always amazes me the creativity of our fans and what they come up with every year,” he said.

On the international stage, Levchuk says he continually hears from players and managers that Vancouver is among their favourite spot on the tour.

“We’re very proud of that,” he said.

“We love to showcase Vancouver and our country, and for a budding rugby nation, it’s a bit of a feather in our cap that we’re quite proud of.”

With files from Cole Schisler.