A bumper crowd of over 66,000 Rugby fans went ALL IN for the HSBC Canada Sevens in Vancouver – here is the very best from the event!
Canada’s Men’s and Women’s teams joined forces for the first time in the event’s history, making the 2023 tournament at BC Place bigger and better than ever!
In what was an action-packed weekend at BC Place, 28 teams played a total of 79 total matches across three days. Canada’s Women’s Sevens team rallied to a sixth-place finish in front of the home crowd, with Canada’s Men’s Team finishing 14th after their weekend.
Visit the new Canada Sevens website for all you need to know ahead of HSBC Canada Sevens 2023.
BC Rugby was on site throughout the weekend, keeping you updated with all the key events and action – make sure you follow @bcrugbyunion on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Day 3 Recap: Hometown Crowd Spurs Canada On
Recap by Rugby Canada
Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team clinched their best finish yet on the 2023 World Rugby Sevens Series on Day 3, finishing sixth and collecting 10 points, which puts Canada at 8th overall in the women’s standings with two tournament stops remaining.
The boisterous crowd continued to help bring BC Place to life on Sunday. Over 66,700 people experience HSBC Canada Sevens 2023 over the course of the three days.
Canada’s Women’s squad got a second chance against Ireland in the fifth-place semifinal to open the day, having lost 28-7 to the Irish on Friday to open the tournament. Ireland opened scoring, but Canada went to work, scoring four in quick succession. Fancy Bermudez and Olivia Apps added points for Canada before the break, and Keyara Wardley scored her third try of the tournament two minutes in to the second half. Bermudez scored yet another to further increase Canada’s lead. Despite Ireland stealing a final try in extra time, Canada took the win 24-12.
“A bunch of my old teammates and old Rugby Club are here cheering me on, so that gives me a little bit of feel, knowing where I came from and where I am now. A couple years ago I was in the stands watching so it’s an unreal feeling being on the field now. We wanted to come [into this game] with some grit and some fight, and we weren’t happy with how the first game went, so we wanted to give them a battle.” Canada Women’s Sevens’ Fancy Bermudez
Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team closed the tournament in the fifth place play-off against Fiji. After surrendering the first try, Canada immediately responded with a try from Bianca Farella, who faked a pass to cut through Fiji’s defence. A clean kick from Apps gave Canada a 7-5 lead, but Fiji rebounded, with a 17-7 score in their favour at the break. Piper Logan’s quick footwork helped Canada gain ground in the second half, with Apps scoring to close the gap. Wardley scored her second of the game in minute twelve to tie it 17-17, pulling away from Fiji’s defence to the delight of the raucous crowd. Fiji managed to get one more try in the final minute, winning 22-17.
New Zealand won their fourth women’s World Rugby Sevens Series tournament in a row, winning 19-12 over Australia.
It was a roller coaster of a weekend for Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team, who, after beating Australia and Chile, just barely lost out on making the quarterfinals after a three-way tie in Pool D that was decided by point differential. After losing to Spain on Saturday night, Canada met South Africa in what would be their final game of the tournament, the thirteenth-place semifinal.
In a high-tension game, Lockie Kratz scored nine of Canada’s 14 points, with a try and conversion in the fourth minute of play to tie the game 7-7 and a conversion off a try from Jake Thiel in the ninth minute to tie the game 14-14. South Africa scored three more tries in the second half however, taking the win 31-14.
“It’s why you love and hate the game at the same time, the points spread matters. I don’t think we’re happy with where we are, but we can certainly be proud. If we inspired one more kid to pick up a ball or one more parent to sign their kid up to play, I think we’ve done a good job here. Our highs are really high right now and our lows are quite low. We’ve just got to find that even keel. I think we showed what we’re capable of, it’s just about that repeat performance.” Canada Men’s Sevens Interim Head Coach Sean White
The men’s final was won by Argentina, the second year in a row that the Argentinians have claimed the cup in Vancouver, winning by a score of 33-21 over France.
Canada’s sevens teams will be back in action over March 31 to April 2 at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team will then play in the HSBC Singapore Sevens over April 8 to 9. For full results from the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, visit the official website: world.rugby/sevens-series.
Day 2 Recap: Canada Pushes New Zealand All The Way
Recap by Rugby Canada
Canada’s Women’s and Men’s Sevens Teams both opened with big wins and closed with tight losses on day two of HSBC Canada Sevens 2023.
Five different players scored for Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team in their final Pool C match against Brazil, starting with Chloe Daniels in the fifth minute of play. A try and a conversion from Olivia Apps put Canada up 12-0 at the break. Bianca Farella further increased Canada’s lead early in the second half, which was followed up by tries from Fancy Bermudez and Piper Logan and two more conversions from Apps. This was Logan’s first career World Rugby Sevens Series try. Brazil scored their only try of the game in the final minute of play, with Canada taking the win 31-7.
HSBC Canada Sevens Day 2 ✅ 1 more day to go! Who will bring home the championship tomorrow!? 👀🏆#Canada7s | #Canada7s pic.twitter.com/jKKtupe16d
— HSBC Canada Sevens (@CanadaSevens) March 5, 2023
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team faced Chile in their last game in Pool D. Josiah Morra hit a milestone 200 career World Rugby Sevens Series points with his first of two tries in the third minute of play. Matthew Percillier also scored twice, his third and fourth tries of the tournament, and Lockie Kratz kicked four clean conversions. Up 28-0 in the thirteenth minute, Chile got on the board with a try from Baltazar Jana and conversion from Luca Strabucchi. Canada responded with another seven points in the final minute of play to win 35-7, with Thomas Isherwood offloading the ball to Jake Thiel for the try.
“We knew we had to fix some of the errors from Friday’s matches. After having a tough loss against Ireland, we came together as a whole and knew we had to bounce back for the home crowd, but also for ourselves. We were able to do that and bring it to Australia and thankfully we were able to take every opportunity we were given, [which we did] also today against Chile.” Canada Men’s Sevens’ Josiah Morra
Finishing third in Pool C, Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team qualified for the quarter-finals and faced New Zealand, the winner of the last three World Rugby Sevens Series stops. New Zealand struck twice in the first half to go up 10-0, but Canada effectively held them at bay for the remainder of the game. Keyara Wardley scored for Canada in minute eleven, as the team continued to pressure New Zealand in the final minutes. New Zealand won by a score of 10-5, but the crowd gave the Canadians a standing ovation as they left the field.
“We’ve had four games now and I think we’ve underperformed in one and we’ve been a score away in two others. New Zealand is the best team in the world, and we love playing against them because it means that we have to elevate what our normalcy is. Today I thought we really looked after the ball in the New Zealand game considering just how much pressure they do put on defence.” Canada Women’s Sevens Head Coach Jack Hanratty
Another dramatic day of action in Vancouver 🤯
Check out the highlights of Day 2 at #Canada7s from the women’s competition!@DHLRugby | #DHLHighlights | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/6aHhKmvAgZ
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) March 5, 2023
Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team finished third in Pool D, meeting Spain in the ninth-place quarterfinals. Jack Carson struck first for Canada with a conversion from Lockie Kratz, but Spain responded with three tries and two conversions, leading 19-7 by minute nine. Percillier and Morra continued to make an impact on the field for Canada, with Percillier offloading the ball to Morra for Canada’s second try. With a conversion from Isherwood, they closed the gap, but Spain took the win 19-14.
Absolutely outstanding 😱
Relive all of the incredible men’s action from Day 2 at #Canada7s@DHLRugby | #DHLHighlights pic.twitter.com/w3ugEqQSKO
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) March 5, 2023
Day 1 Recap: Milestone Friday Kicks Off Big Weekend in Vancouver
Recap by Rugby Canada
Women’s and men’s teams shared the turf at BC Place for the HSBC Canada Sevens for the first time on Friday, an action-packed first day of competition in Vancouver. This also marked the beginning of the 200th men’s tournament in the history of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team took to the field for their first match, and their first meeting with Ireland this season, on Friday morning in front of 6,500 students from schools in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
With this being her 44th HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament, Bianca Farella hit a new milestone, tying Australia’s Sharni Williams for the all-time women’s record in tournament appearances.
Congratulations to Bianca Farella on playing in her 44th HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournament! 🤩 She is now tied with Australia’s Sharni Williams for the all-time women’s record.#RugbyCA pic.twitter.com/v9v6nL5wjf
— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) March 4, 2023
Ireland was first on the board, scoring their first of four tries halfway through the first seven minutes. The crowd of kids erupted in minute thirteen as Keyara Wardley blasted down the outside of the field, scoring Canada’s first try of the tournament. This was Wardley’s first match since December 2022 following recovery from injury. With a conversion from Olivia Apps, the final score was 28-7.
“We really had a lot of excitement going into that game and I think the fans were great. We really didn’t start the way that we wanted to start, and really didn’t get possession the way we wanted to, but the atmosphere out there is amazing. I’m really excited to see it as the weekend continues. There’s still lots to look forward to.” Canada Women’s Sevens’ Olivia Apps
It was then Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team’s turn to play Ireland. The Irish had a 21-0 lead at the break, scoring another try early in the second half. Josiah Morra made a highlight reel worthy defensive play in the try zone late in the game to prevent Ireland from increasing their lead further. In the twelfth minute, Kal Sager scored Canada’s first of the tournament, his second ever World Rugby Sevens Series try. Ireland won by a final score of 33-5.
“Being on home soil is crazy. I feel really proud, I was here last year watching the boys, and got to go out with them this time. I think we’re now going to go back to the drawing board and just bring so much heart and hopefully blow the top off of BC Place Stadium.” Canada Men’s Sevens’ Kal Sager
Tenacity was the name of the game as Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team took on the United States in a Friday night match-up. Canada spent the majority of the first half inside their 22, with Ilona Maher scoring first for the USA in the third minute, giving them a 5-0 lead. Canada held off the Americans, opening the second half on the attack. Bianca Farella beat a pair of defenders in the eighth minute to score, and with a conversion from Chloe Daniels, Canada took a 7-5 lead.
The United States responded with two tries and a conversion, but Canada put on a great final effort, with Alysha Corrigan closing the gap in extra time and bringing the final score to 17-12.
The final match of the day saw Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team claim a big win over Australia. Matt Percillier shone, scoring his first try in the fourth minute to open scoring. Australia responded immediately to tie the game 5-5, but it was Percillier running once again down the field with a smile on his face to score and re-take the lead for Canada. Leading 10-5 at the break, it was Alex Russell who scored next for Canada, running the full length of the field. Australia put in one final effort with a try and a conversion, but Kal Sager and Thomas Isherwood pushed through Australia’s defence to further increase Canada’s score. With two conversions from Isherwood, the game ended with a score of 29-12.
“We talked about it in the dressing room before the game that our momentum doesn’t just come from the attack, such as tries and what not, but also from the defence, so big hits, big tackles, big key momentum switches.” Canada Men’s Sevens’ Matt Percillier
Day 1 was incredible and WE’RE ONLY GETTING STARTED! 🔥 Get ready for 2 more full days of action-packed fun 🎉
Tickets Still Available for Saturday & Sunday at https://t.co/1qCzlE3OT2 📌#Canada7s | #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/uuWtBRrB9I
— HSBC Canada Sevens (@CanadaSevens) March 4, 2023
YOUR CANADA SEVENS TEAMS
HSBC CANADA SEVENS 50/50 PRESENTED BY GROSVENOR
One lucky winner walked away with over $77,000 from the 2023 HSBC Canada Sevens 50/50 Draw Presented by Grosvenor, in support of BC Rugby and S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
This weekend’s total jackpot came in at a MASSIVE $154,130 – thank you for your continued support!
The winning ticket number is: #153832
The other half of the jackpot will be used to grow Rugby throughout the province of British Columbia, and to support S.U.C.C.E.S.S. fund social services throughout Canada that serve new Canadians, seniors, youth and families.
Congratulations to the winning ticket holder!
The draw was made at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on March 5, 2023 shortly before 5:00pm, using Random Number Generator (RNG) software.
For more information, please click here.
HSBC CANADA SEVENS IN THE COMMUNITY
HSBC Canada Sevens week sees the very best of the Rugby community coming together to celebrate our great sport.
While several planned activations fell victim to the snow and freezing temperatures earlier in the week, spirits were not dampened as the HSBC Canada Sevens came to town.
The HSBC Rookie Rugby Festival planned for Sunday, February 26 might have been cancelled but several Mini Rugby stars still enjoyed an exclusive meet and greet with the Rugby Canada Women’s Sevens National team.
TEAMS WELCOMED AHEAD OF HSBC CANADA SEVENS
The 28 captains who battled for the highly coveted HSBC Canada Sevens crowns gathered ahead of th event on the traditional territory of Tsleil-Waututh Nation as they fine tuned their preparations ahead of kick off on Friday.
Here come the drums! 🥁
Who’s ready for #Canada7s? #HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/3Nf82Kpj4e
— World Rugby 7s (@WorldRugby7s) March 1, 2023
TSLEIL-WAUTUTH ARTIST OLIVIA GEORGE DESIGNS HSBC CANADA SEVENS 2023 MEDALS
The HSBC Canada Sevens 2023 medals have been designed by Olivia George, a Tsleil-Waututh artist. Each medal features a different marine animal, and will be presented to the Women’s and Men’s medallists on Sunday March 5.
Medal Description (provided by artist Olivia George)
The theme of the HSBC Canada Sevens 2023 medals is Marine Life, to represent Tsleil-Waututh Nation—People of the Inlet. Along with səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) are also the traditional land owners of the city known as Vancouver. Coast Salish peoples’ ties to the water hold great importance in culture and beliefs. The close relationship with and knowledge of marine life has gained a respectful, positive and priceless outlook on life and what goes on around us. To take only what is needed is sustainable, and respects the harmony of all. A food chain holds its own harmonious balance. These three—the Orca, Seal and Salmon—are a part of one, with the top being the Orca. That is why the medals are held in this order. Within the Coast Salish design of each animal is a large oval, which also stands for the representation of a rugby ball. Each is also in a playful jump out of the water.
Orca – Gold Medal
In First Nation and Coast Salish culture, an orca symbolizes family and power. They travel together, communicate well, and guard their own. Being in the vast waters, they are large, fast, and skilled hunters. These traits relate well to a Sevens winner because the team is like a family. They play the sport together, and their strength and skilled athleticism brings them to celebrate a gold victory.
Seal – Silver Medal
As our people travelled the inlet by canoe, the familiar sight of a seal would be common. Seals symbolize curiosity, creativity and imagination. They also teach us to embrace our sense of exploration and our playfulness, and to be fearless—like when they dive into deep waters. These are great qualities a winner would have, because if you have curiosity and creativity, you allow yourself to be determined and to possess unique talent. When you have players like that on a team, with their combined imagination and strength, accomplishments will be made.
Salmon – Bronze Medal
Salmon were always, and still are, treated and respected with high regard. They are a prime nourishment for our people, valued in important traditions and playing a role in connecting communities. They are a symbol of abundance, wealth, dependability and renewal. The stages throughout their life cycle teach us the cycle of our lives. A team who can make it by working together, with purpose and determination, will move up, and make their goals become reality. Like salmon knowing it’s their time to make their way up the river, a team will know when it’s their time to do what they have trained and practiced. It may be a lot of hard work in a rough current, but they are adaptable and strong together—it’s sacrifice that leads to success.
THE NEXT GENERATION ENJOY SPECIAL BC PLACE EXPERIENCE
Over 120 Mini Rugby stars, the future of Rugby in BC, enjoyed a special experience on the BC Place Field during Sunday’s HSBC Canada Sevens action.
Mini Rugby Members from Bayside Sharks RFC, Capilano RFC, Campbell River RFC, Langley RFC, Meraloma RFC, Scribes RFC, United RFC and Westshore RFC were invited to play on center field alongside a number of BC Rugby legends, World Rugby legends and HSBC Ambassadors.
Nate Hirayama, Bryan Habana and current Rugby Canada Senior Women’s XVs captain Sophie de Goede were on hand to help run the show – and even got in on the action themselves!
The next generation of rugby players in Canada 🏉
100 lucky rugby players between the ages of 5 to 12 had the chance to play on the field at BC Place today at HSBC Canada Sevens in Vancouver!#Canada7s | #RugbyCA pic.twitter.com/QNx2uTMXF4
— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) March 5, 2023
HSBC ROOKIE RUGBY BALL CARRIERS ENJOY SPECIAL DAY
Two lucky BC Rugby Rookie Rugby Members enjoyed this year’s HSBC Canada Sevens event in special fashion.
Clay Holden (James Bay AA) and Cassandra Clark (United RFC) won an exclusive experience at BC Place, after they were declared winners of the HSBC Rookie Rugby Ball Carrier contest.
Clay and Cassandra got to deliver the match ball to center field during Sunday’s action in Vancouver!
RUGBY CANADA HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2023 CELEBRATED
Seven Canadian Rugby icons, including five players and two builders, and one outstanding team will had their legacy cemented in the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame after they were celebrated on field at the HSBC Canada Sevens.
Since the inaugural Class of 2016, the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame has recognized and welcomed the most dedicated and decorated members of Canada’s rugby community to its growing list.
The Rugby Canada Hall of Fame was established to honour and preserve rugby’s culture and heritage in Canada by recognizing the extraordinary achievements of rugby participants throughout our country.
Inductees were lauded on the BC Place Field during Sunday’s action in Vancouver.
Celebrating the class of 2022 🎉🌟
Seven Canadian rugby icons and one outstanding Canadian team were officially inducted to the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame during @CanadaSevens at BC Place 👏
Read more about the class of 2022: https://t.co/D2dfPI6qjk#RugbyCA pic.twitter.com/Z8nCk13OMI
— Rugby Canada (@RugbyCanada) March 5, 2023
BC Rugby
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BC Rugby gratefully acknowledges that its offices reside on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
