Now that Christmas is (just barely) behind us we can perhaps look to the New Year and a little bit of rugby fun in two months.

The LA Sevens is back for 2023 with what is still the most enjoyable, fan-friendly rugby event on the American rugby calendar. And there are many reasons why—the format of the tournament, which allows fans to watch games and then enjoy food from all over the world; the superb athleticism of the players, which is so much more vivid when you see it in person; the unique atmosphere.

And when we talk about atmosphere, yes there is music and dancing and culture, but it's the fans that make the LA Sevens special.

LA Sevens at Dignity Health Sports Park February 25-26, 2003. Tickets for the LA Sevens, February 25-26, 2003 are on sale now>>

(First two photos by Alex Goff, and the rest are by David Barpal)

The costumes, of course are a huge part of it. Like this guys:

Sometimes (OK more than sometimes) male fans seem intent on showing up wearing as little as possible. OMBAC guys here ... 

One of the biggest positives for the August LA Sevens was that several teams with huge fan followings made the quarterfinals and beyond. This below is the final, and you don't see a lot of tournaments where so many fans stay for the final—but in LA you did in part because the tournament had been so enjoyable and in part because the Fijian fans were out in force.

Tickets for the LA Sevens, February 25-26, 2003 are on sale now>>

Secrets and dancing like no one's watching.

Scottish Pirates ... because of course.

More half-naked dudes. This time they're UCLA guys cheering on their teammate, Lucas Lacamp.