‘It blew everyone away’: HSBC Canada Sevens rugby tournament back in Vancouver
VANCOUVER — Damian McGrath strode into B.C. Place Stadium last March as head coach of Samoa, completely unaware of what the weekend would bring.
The newest stop on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series had good ticket sales, but was being played on artificial turf in a domed venue in front of a fanbase — at least it was assumed — largely unfamiliar with the sport.
“It was a step into the unknown,” said McGrath. “But it blew everyone away.”
The Canada Sevens tournament returns to Vancouver on Saturday and Sunday with players, coaches, organizers and fans buoyed by last year’s success.