Vancouver added to Sevens series

 

World Rugby announced the new tournament today, with the 60,000 seat BC Place Stadium in Vancouver set to host the Canadian leg of the world series.

 

Sevens has enjoyed remarkable growth in the past few years with the addition of the sport to the Olympic programme.

 

Canada are one of the teams that have seen rapid improvement in their performances on the field, and hosting a home tournament is just reward for their passion for the game.

 

Rugby Canada's successful bid came through a competitive tender process involving 25 destinations.

 

"Vancouver is world-renowned event location and a city with a tremendous track record of hosting incredible events, like the 2010 Winter Olympic Games," World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset said.

 

"Its inclusion within a stellar series hosting line-up is great for players, great for fans and great for the ongoing prosperity and development of rugby in Canada and around the globe."

 

Rugby Canada CEO Graham Brown said hosting a world series event would help strengthen and grow the sport in Canada.

 

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper tweeted his congratulations to the bid team.

 

Qualification for the Rio Olympics was well underway, with South Africa currently leading the series after five rounds. New Zealand were second, followed by Fiji and Australia.

 

The latest round of the world series in Las Vegas this month attracted 75,000 fans over three days of action.