HSBC SVNS: Vancouver’s must-visit hotspots

The HSBC SVNS’ most successful new stop in recent years is set to capture North American imaginations once again as Vancouver takes centre stage this weekend. 

The usual high intensity, sasquatch sprinkled, voluminous BC Place can be expected, with the Olympic silver medal-winning women’s team flying the Maple Leaf flag for the host nation at BC Place. 

For the first time since the event’s birth in 2016, Canada’s men’s side will not be involved in their home tournament, after they were relegated by Spain at last season’s Madrid Grand Final. Instead, they will fight to regain top tier status through the fiercely competitive Challenger Series, which kicks off in a fortnight in Cape Town.

The men’s squad, meanwhile, will prepare for their trip to South Africa by taking part in a three-team tournoi at BC Place against Japan and Trinidad & Tobago.

Since relegation and failing to qualify for the Olympics, it is all change for Canada’s men’s set-up. A raft of retirements, a newly de-centralised program and fresh university sourced sevens’ blood means only Kal Sager, Elias Hancock, Thomas Isherwood and Alex Russell remain of what was such a familiar and settled roster.

The 28-year-old Russell, now in his sixth season with Canada 7s, along with Isherwood, suddenly finds himself the side’s elder statesman, but insisted: “It’s exciting to be around the youthful energy. It reminds me of the hunger I had before my first cap.”

Alex is our Man in Van, so we hit him up for his non-negotiables when it comes to maximising the fan experience in Canada’s sport-mad city that has just hosted the Invictus Games.

Coffee

SVNS and touring hard is all about fueling up to go the distance. In Russell’s opinion, “You’re not a rugby player or fan unless you love coffee, and the place to go for that is Gastown. 

“Timber Train is one of my favourite spots. A couple years ago they got the team in for a crash course in baristaing. Lockie Kratz, who takes his coffee very seriously, was a standout performer and may just have a future serving flat whites!”

Culture

So, caffeine fix sorted, it’s time to hit the sights. “The city is all about HSBC SVNS this week with seven light installations dotted around iconic spots to stoke up the fan’s fires, but there is so much more to take in,” Russell said. “It’s a very walkable city so it’s easy to get around and take it all in.

“It’s difficult to look past Stanley Park as one of the spots. There’s a 22km seawall hugging the coast that you can bike or run, and there is even a rugby club located in the heart of the park called Vancouver Rowing Club. 

“We used to play them when we were in the Academy and is a club steeped in history.

“Grouse Mountain is about 20 minutes from the centre if you’re looking to go skiing and Whistler is only a couple hours away if you want to take your extreme adventuring to the next level.

“Lastly, there’s Granville Island Public Market. You get the sea ferry across and on the other side are greeted by local vendors – food, local art, as well as breweries and distilleries too. A proper local experience.”

Food

And on that note… “Vancouver, being close to the sea, is renowned for its sushi – it’s everywhere. There are so many good restaurants it’s impossible to pin down a favourite, so just take it from me, wherever you go, it’s going to be high end!

“If you’re gluten free, like me, then Lemonade and Heirs Pears are your go to.”

Night Out

According to Russell, few destinations rival Vancouver’s reputation for post-tournament festivities among fans, players, and coaches… in fact anyone who’s been in a 10-mile radius of BC Place!

“I know I’m totally biased, but I genuinely think it’s one of the best nights out on the HSBC SVNS Series. 

“Start at The Belmont Hotel and then there’s only one destination from there… The Roxy for DJ vibes all night! Sadly, we’re going to miss out this year as we’re flying early Sunday morning to Cape Town – but I know the rest of the teams will do us proud in our absence.”

And to drink?

“It has to be a Shaft! It’s a Canadian West Coast classic! Cold brew coffee, Irish cream liqueur, crème de café and vodka… the perfect midnight cocktail when you need that pick-me-up to carry you through to the end of the night”

So that’s how to make the most of your fun in vibrant Vancouver, but for Russell, it is strictly business this weekend.

“We’ve only had a week in camp together but there is real excitement in the group. This weekend is a chance to blood new lads and explore emerging combinations. There’ll be a bit of big stadium pressure for the new lads – and, of course, nothing beats the buzz of the home crowd.

“Being enclosed in the dome amplifies everything. I remember beating Australia on the Friday a couple of years ago and it was electric. The energy is everywhere!

“This is the start of a new adventure, with a new group. Jamie Armstrong and Brendan Black are exciting prospects and this weekend will be the first step on that adventure that we hope will end in promotion back to the big leagues.”