When someone who doesn’t know a whole lot about rugby is tasked with writing about the men’s HSBC Canada Sevens rugby tournament at B.C. Place, they go to the source — the Internet— and in particular the Canada Sevens website.
And no, Captain Obvious, just because a website is dedicated to a subject doesn’t always means it’s a great source. But in this case I lucked out. It was there I discovered the HSBC Canada Sevens at B.C. Place is a festival of fandom filled with colourful costumes and friendly supporters, all set to the soundtrack of one epic weekend of on-field action.
So here are five things newcomers to the HSBC Canada Sevens should know:
What is Sevens rugby?
The game is a shorter, faster version of traditional rugby. Instead of 15 players playing 40-minute halves, this fast-paced game includes seven players playing seven-minute halves. The result is non-stop action.
What is the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series?
The HSBC World Rugby Sevens includes 10 tournaments held around the world, in which 16 national sevens teams compete for World Series points at each round. The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series ends with a champion crowned at the end of the season based on accumulated points. The tournament's official airline and title sponsor, Cathay Pacific, is is even offering packages from Vancouver to Hong Kong, the next stop on the tour just in case you decide to continue the fun.
Who knew Vancouver has such a large population of Fijian rugby fans?
According to the Canada Sevens’ website, if you think Canadians are passionate about hockey, wait until you see a group of Fijians at a rugby game. Rugby is a way of life in Fiji so it’s no wonder the fans bring their A-game when it comes to supporting their boys at this popular weekend-long tournament.
The players visit schools while they’re in Vancouver
This past week, rugby players from around the world visited schools and community centres across Greater Vancouver to visit with kids. On Thursday morning, players from the Spanish team visited Strathcona Elementary in Vancouver.
And most importantly, why does everyone dress in costume?
Despite a lot of research, I never found a definitive answer to this one. If you think downtown Vancouver gets just a little bizarre during Halloween, just take a look around this weekend. Groups dressed in themed costumes are also popular, despite the fact the theme typically has absolutely nothing to do with the game. Some notable costumes from the past in Vancouver include, the Spa Look — men in robes wearing facial masks, beer bottles, flocks of chickens, penguins, squirrels, beavers, bees, lumberjacks, superheroes, cows, Nina Turtles and cavemen.
To find out more about HSBC Canada Sevens at B.C. Place visit canadasevens.com/rugby-sevens.
@sthomas10
