Canadian stop on men's rugby 7s series offers crucial experience for young hosts

Vancouver will serve as the world's Rugby Sevens capital for the weekend. 

The HSBC World Men's Rugby Seven Series lands in B.C. for 45 matches on Saturday and Sunday, and the Canadian team will aim to add some much-needed game-time experience after a COVID-19 compromised 2021 season.

The event, originally scheduled for late February but postponed due to health and safety concerns, will feature 16 of the best men's rugby sevens men's teams in the world. That includes Tokyo 2020 gold medallists New Zealand, bronze medallists Fiji, and Australia, all top nations in the sport who have sat out the past season out due to the pandemic.

In the previous weekend of Rugby Sevens Series action, held in Singapore on April 9-10, the Canadian squad lost to South Africa, the U.S. and Kenya in the group stage before falling to France and England in placement games.

For Canada's head coach Henry Paul, the homecoming weekend is more than a chance to do better. It's also a very-much appreciated opportunity to play in front of home fans.

WATCH | Rugby 7s returns to BC Place:

"The opportunity to compete against the world's best teams in front of a passionate Canadian crowd is a thrilling prospect for this group of players," Paul said.

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