RUGBY: Sevens opens a new chapter Friday with two additions
New teams join the hunt for the Rugby 7s crown
CALGARY – The Victoria Vikes have been the team supreme, reigning over the conference for the past four seasons. But this year, a new look to the sevens' field promises fresh blood, new rivalries and more action than ever before.
Regina and Brandon are fielding CW teams for at least the first tournament of the season, set for Friday in Edmonton. The Fraser Valley Cascades will not return to league play after going 0-8 last season.
The Cougars and Bobcats will get their first taste of hard-hitting action at Foote Field, the arena in which the Vikes first asserted their dominance last year. Victoria went a perfect 6-0 to post 12 points after the first leg of the three-tournament season.
They'll look to send the same message this year as they chase down their fifth straight CW title. The only other team to have worn that crown is the Calgary Dinos, a squad eager to improve on their fourth-place finish in 2022.
After the Edmonton tournament, teams will head to Wallace Field in Victoria on Feb. 11 and 12. The season will conclude March 3 and 4 at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver, where a champion will emerge. The host UBC Thunderbirds will be looking to make that their moment after coming in second to Victoria last season.
A complete look at the first tournament schedule and daily scores can be found here. The entire event will be streamed for free on Canada West TV.
To look back at 2022's season standings, click here.
For a complete explainer on rugby sevens regulations, click here.
New Teams (Partial Members for 2023):
Brandon Bobcats
What started as a student-led club in the 2017-18 year has now made it to the Canada West stage. The club has played in friendlies against other CW schools, but Friday's action will mark their first official league play.
The team is looking to make a splash right away after running the table to win the Manitoba sevens tournament earlier this year.
Regina Cougars
Considered a varsity team, the Regina Cougars will make their Canada West debut in Edmonton. The Cougars have built up momentum before bringing their own brand of sevens to CW, competing locally, nationally and internationally.
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