Pic: World Rugby
A week after a thrilling Cup final at the latest World Rugby Sevens Series location in Los Angeles, the 16 teams have landed in Canada’s third-largest city, the picturesque west-coast metropolis of Vancouver in order to crown the winner of the sixth stage of this year’s HSBC Sevens World Series.
Today's captains call was pretty special. All 16 captains visited the kids of Ronald McDonald House, a charity that plays an important role in the lives of children with serious illnesses.#CanadaSevens pic.twitter.com/pgKcmBKswp
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) March 5, 2020
Following the launch of the event in 2016, the Canada Sevens have been proven to be a massive success and ticket sales for the only tournament played on artificial turf have even picked up this year. A huge crowd of 76,000 rugby-mad supporters is expected to turn up over the next couple of days.
When and Where?
The Canada Sevens takes place at the BC Place Stadium (Capacity 54,500) in Vancouver, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th of March. The matches kick-off on Saturday at 09:00 local time (GMT -8) and Sunday 09:43 local time. The final is scheduled for 18:28 local time on Sunday.
Where Can I See It?
In the UK, Sky Sports covers both days of the competition. For an extensive overview about all other broadcaster check out this guide.
Who’s the favourite?
South Africa are the defending champions after a first-ever win in Vancouver in 2019. In addition, the Blitzboks secured a sensational second tournament win after beating Fiji in last week’s final of the Los Angeles 7s, which leaves them in a comfortable second position ahead of the weekend, just four points behind leaders New Zealand.
One to Watch
JP Barraque | France
The French captain, has been an inspiration for his team this season. His vast skill set has helped the Les Bleus to become a serious threat for the top teams.
THE POOLS
Men’s
Pool A: South Africa, England, Argentina, Japan
Pool B: Fiji, France, Canada, Wales
Pool C: New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, Kenya
Pool D: Australia, USA, Samoa, Scotland