On behalf of World Rugby it is my pleasure to welcome you back to the HSBC Canada Sevens ahead of what promises to be a wonderful weekend of world class rugby sevens.
Canada has built a strong reputation for spectacular entertainment, on and off the pitch, hosting the world’s best players and teams and creating a fantastic party atmosphere inside BC Place Stadium.
For the first time ever this year, the top 12 women’s nations are set to join the men for a thrilling three-day competition cheered on by a huge, vocal and knowledgeable crowd.
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023 is shaping up to be the most competitive season yet with the prize of Olympic Games Paris 2024 qualification on offer for the top four women’s and men’s teams in the 2023 Series standings.
The Men’s Series has seen five different gold medal winners through the five opening tournaments and five nations are separated by just two points in the race for the final two spots for Paris 2024.
The Women’s Series remains equally tight in the race to qualification, with New Zealand at the front of the pack having won three of the four tournaments this season.
The future of rugby sevens is bright and we are firmly committed to the development of sevens as a key driver of attracting new players and fans across the globe, especially in emerging nations.
Great people make great events and my thanks to our hosts who, as always, have put in a tremendous effort to organise this popular event, the players, match officials, staff and volunteers who are all fundamental to the game.
We thank the Canadian authorities, the organising committee and all other stakeholders for their spirit of teamwork and cooperation as we work closely together to ensure the delivery of a safe, secure and highly enjoyable event.
I would also like to give special thanks our title partner HSBC, as well as DHL, Capgemini, and Gilbert for their brilliant support and continued commitment to the Series.
Enjoy the event!
Sir Bill Beaumont, CBE, DL
Chairman
World Rugby