The roar of the crowd at B.C. Place Stadium is set to echo once again as the 2025 Vancouver HSBC Sevens Tournament kicks off this weekend, bringing together some of the top rugby teams from around the world. From February 22 to February 24, the Canadian city becomes the epicenter of international rugby sevens action, featuring thrilling matches among both men's and women's teams aiming for glory.
Hosts Canada are entering the tournament with high expectations, especially after their strong performance at the Paris Olympics where they captured silver. Canadian star Charity Williams, who returns for her first game with the national squad since the Games, expressed her excitement, saying, "There’s nothing like playing at home."
The women’s team will look to capitalize on their form after finishing fourth in Perth, the previous leg of the series. Captain Piper Logan highlighted the team's cohesion, noting, "It’s super cohesive," as they aim to reach the podium. Facing teams like Brazil and Spain, the pressure is on for Canada to show their best game and potentially claim their first Vancouver Sevens title.
Tim Walsh, the coach of the Australian women's team, exuded confidence about his squad's depth, even as injuries threaten their lineup. Key player Maddison Levi, unfortunately sidelined with injury, is being replaced by Bridget Clark, who is back from her own injury. "We are building as a squad and our young guns are developing well," said Walsh, emphasizing the resilience of his players amid the challenges. Australia will face off against Spain, Brazil, and Canada during pool play, aiming to secure victories and loft themselves toward yet another tournament win after experiencing success earlier this season.
Meanwhile, the Australian men's team is also under scrutiny, currently placed sixth overall. They are bolstered by the return of co-captain Henry Paterson, who has recovered from ankle surgery. Coach Liam Barry said, "It would be good to see some growth in our game and consistency to performances." The men's squad is set to battle against formidable opponents including Ireland and New Zealand as part of their pool. Winning matches will be key to improving their position as they gear up for the knockout stages.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Kenya national team, known as Shujaa, is determined to improve their ninth-place standing after three rounds of the series. Kicking off against Argentina, they are eager to earn their place as contenders, seeking to break past the quarter-final barrier. After evaluating their previous performances, they’re coming with renewed vigor, aiming to transform insights gained from earlier competitions.
This atmosphere of competition and camaraderie is pivotal not only for the teams involved but also for fans who have come to embrace the sport. The presence of Olympic medallists has garnered increased interest, as illustrated by Williams’ remarks on the strength of the Canadian squad, reflecting on how perceptions of the team have shifted. "We were always looked at as underdogs, but we're underdogs with two Olympic medals," she remarked, encapsulating the determination of her side.
Alongside their competitive ambitions, the Canadian rugby scene embraces the potential growth of the sport within the country. Veteran Alex Russell pointed out the importance of showing fans the program's commitment to building strong foundations for the future. He stated, "We need to keep showing the Canadian fans... it's building in the right direction." This tournament presents not just competition but also opportunity for budding players to solidify their roles and rise through ranks—essential elements for the next generation of rugby stars.
With the anticipation building, fans can expect to witness electrifying matches filled with breathtaking feats of athleticism and strategic gameplay. The three-day event promises to encapsulate the spirit of rugby sevens, pushing athletes to their limits as they chase hard-earned victories and the thrill of grabbing a trophy at the end of the weekend. Iconic plays, dramatic moments, and celebratory victories await, ensuring the 2025 Vancouver HSBC Sevens Tournament will leave its mark on the rugby calendar.