The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is touching down in Vancouver March 12 and 13, making it the first-ever series stop in Canada and the 6th stop in a global tour that kicked-off in December in Dubai and wraps up in London May 2016. 

Already hugely popular in markets around the world, Rugby Sevens is a dynamic combination of international high performance sport and a fan festival. Vancouver series event organizer, HSBC Canada Sevens Vancouver, expects a sell-out crowd of more than 60,000 people at BC Place over the course of the two day tournament.  HSBC has been the title sponsor of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series since 2010. 

"Rugby resonates with HSBC’s values and global operational footprint: it is growing in popularity in markets where we as a bank are growing, and its values of courage, respect, and teamwork align well with our own organizational values,” said Sandra Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bank Canada. “From grass roots to high performance, HSBC is thrilled to be part of such a significant moment for the sport of rugby in Canada, helping elite players achieve their goal of being the best in the world and introducing young players to the game.”

In February 2015, it was announced that Vancouver, BC would play host to World Rugby Sevens Series in 2016 at BC Place, resulting in an unprecedented opportunity for the Rugby movement in Canada.  The win has been widely heralded as a huge moment for the sport of rugby in Canada and a catalyst and opportunity for further growth and popularity of the sport as it embarks on a new chapter with its recent inclusion at the upcoming 2016 Rio Summer Games.

“Bringing the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series to the outstanding BC Place stadium in beautiful downtown Vancouver is a huge opportunity to grow and strengthen rugby in Canada. Canadians from coast-to-coast have gotten behind our Men’s Sevens Team for what will be the largest ever Canadian crowd for rugby," said Allen Vansen, CEO for Rugby Canada. “With support from leading international bank and global series sponsor, HSBC, we are promoting and encouraging world-class sport and creating positive legacies for the future of rugby in Canada amongst youth.”

Youth clinics for children of all ages will be held March 9 and 10, featuring a number of different forms of youth rugby, including flag and wheelchair games. It’s expected that more than 150 elementary school-aged youth will participate, with special guests including HSBC Ambassador Brian O’Driscoll, team Canada players Nanyak Dala, Mike Scholz and Phil Mack.