Kratz honours grandfather with jersey number for 2023 HSBC World Rugby Seven Series

With a monumental shift on the horizon for the 2024 World Rugby Sevens Series, the 2023 edition has seen the introduction of a few smaller changes to the series, one of which has ended up holding sentimental value to Victoria, BC’s Lockie Kratz.

On a sevens team with a roster of 12, players traditionally wear numbers one through 12, but for the 2023 World Rugby Sevens Series players were given the option to wear any number between one and 99 for the first time. Kratz, who has been part of Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team since 2021, decided to wear number 44 to honour his grandfather, Jim Gallagher, who suddenly passed away in November of 2020.

“His favourite number was number four and my favourite number is also number four,” said Kratz. “So, if we put it together, I chose to do 44.” By honouring his grandfather in this way, Kratz said it feels like he takes him onto the field with him to play the game they both love.

“He always said that rugby is a game that’s played in heaven. I know he's playing it in heaven and always playing alongside me whenever I have that jersey on my back,” said Kratz. “It's a way I can honour, commemorate and celebrate him. It’s a lovely thing to have and I feel like he helps me.”

Gallagher was born in Sydney, Australia in the 1940s and played for North Sydney Rugby Club. He went on to captain his state of New South Wales before being named captain of the Australian Wallabies Under-20 side in 1964.

“He went on to be a well-respected figure in the rugby union situation in Sydney,” said Kratz. “He was one of my biggest supporters and taught me so much about rugby and life.”

When the 2023 season came and the option for players to choose their individual number emerged, Kratz took full advantage to pay respect to the person who instilled in him a love for the game.

“Once I chose it and confirmed that it wasn't taken by anyone else, I came home and told my mom and she was over the moon about it and so happy,” said Kratz. “I obviously told her why and it made her day.”

Kratz remembers his grandfather telling him to ‘play with your head, lead with your heart.’

“He was the nicest man I knew, and he had that kind of level of competitiveness and grit that you need to be a real good player on and off the field,” said Kratz. “He taught me so many values and lessons that will stay with me forever.”

Kratz, who was out of the lineup due to injury since December 2022, returns to the pitch with Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team this weekend for the HSBC LA Sevens, before heading to Vancouver for the HSBC Canada Sevens on March 3-5.

HOW TO FOLLOW LA SEVENS

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team opens pool play on Saturday February 25 against South Africa at 11:49 a.m. PT / 2:49 p.m. ET, followed by Ireland at 2:40 p.m. PT / 5:40 p.m. PT and Uruguay at 6:35 p.m. PT / 9:35 p.m. ET.

For the most up to date information on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and live coverage, visit the official website world.rugby/sevens-series. There you will find details regarding the event format, schedule, and the latest news.

Broadcast coverage of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will be available in Canada via CBC. All events are available to live stream via cbcsports.ca, the CBC Sports app, and the free CBC Gem streaming service.

HOW TO FOLLOW CANADA SEVENS

Watch for Lockie Kratz's number 44 and cheer on Canada's Men's Sevens Team live next weekend at Canada Sevens!

Tickets for the HSBC Canada Sevens, taking place March 3-5 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, BC, can be purchased at canadasevens.com. Single day tickets are available for purchase in all sections, with General Admission tickets starting at $29.00 for Friday March 3 and $69.00 for Saturday March 4 and Sunday March 5, plus service fees.

HSBC Canada Sevens is also introducing a new youth ticket option for fans aged 18 and under. Youth single day tickets can be purchased for Sunday March 5 at the low price of $35.00.

Tournament passes, the best value and way for fans to access the action on all three days of Canada Sevens, are also still available for purchase.