Champions were crowned across eight divisions following a bumper weekend at the 2023 BC Rugby Kamloops 7s that saw 92 teams, 1200 athletes compete across 274 matches at McArthur Island Park.

The largest junior Rugby 7s tournament in Canada returned to Kamloops in high demand this year, with team spots having sold out for the first time since its post-pandemic return. Attracting teams from Vancouver Island to Saskatchewan, the tournament had doubled in size compared to last year.

And it lived up to the billing as supporters and spectators turned out in full force to support their Clubs for two days of beautiful Kamloops sunshine. With BC Bears coaches in attendance, this was a chance for British Columbia’s best young Rugby 7s talent to impress with upcoming trips to Australia, Florida and the 2024 BC Summer Games in mind.

BC Rugby acknowledges that the 2023 Kamloops 7s was held on the unceded Secwépemc territory, situated in the southern interior of British Columbia within the traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation.

Taking place over National Truth and Reconciliation Day weekend and Orange Shirt Day, the event officially started on Saturday with a traditional welcome and honour song from Freda Jules, Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc Elder.

Over 150 matches followed in a pulsating first day as teams frantically fought to put themselves in contention for Sunday’s medal matches.

The action concluded as eight divisional champions were crowned on Sunday, with teams leaving with gold medals and desired bragging rights – until next year at least.

The purpose of the Kamloops 7s tournament is to foster the growth of Age-Grade Rugby throughout British Columbia and solidify the Rugby 7s pathway, while also serving as a lead into the Age-Grade Club XVs Season.

BC Rugby will be releasing a full 2022 Kamloops 7s photo gallery this week – keep your eyes peeled on our social media channels!

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.