Vancouver secures rights to host 7s event for another 4 years

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Abhinash Bachnan with the ‘Viti Dolls’, Vancouver based supporters who also travelled to Vegas to support the team. Picture: SUPPLIED

FIJIANS in Vancouver are happy that Rugby Canada has secured the rights to host a HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event for the next four years.

With just days remaining before the fourth and final year of its four-year hosting agreement with World Rugby, Rugby Canada announced today that Canada will again host one of 10 stops on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series from 2020 to 2023, according to World Rugby.

The successful tender has been awarded to Rugby Canada after year-over-year growth and momentum, breaking records as the largest rugby event in Canada for three consecutive years.

The announcement took place early Wednesday morning, against a backdrop of an HSBC Celebration of Rugby, which saw 50 BC youth participating in an interactive skills clinic with members of Canada’s national men’s and women’s teams.

“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 4 years,” said Allen Vansen, CEO of Rugby Canada.

“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.” He added.

In its’ first three years, The HSBC Canada Sevens tournament has continually raised the bar for rugby in Canada, sparking greater awareness and growth while generating more than $24M in economic activity in BC on an annual basis.

The 2018 event in Vancouver saw more than 5,000 tickets sold to international buyers and those living outside of BC.

Meanwhile, the USA 7s venue is still unknown as it could be the last time Las Vegas hosted this year.

Las Vegas has hosted the USA Sevens since 2010

Abhinash Bachnan (middle) with Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Canada, Bobby Naicker and Waisele Serevi. Picture: SUPPLIED