HSBC SVNS Vancouver kicks off with big Canadian wins and a milestone 100th Charity Williams try

Both Canadian sevens teams had perfect records on the opening day of HSBC SVNS Vancouver, with Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team going two for two on the first day of HSBC SVNS series pool play and Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team posting two wins in the men’s invitational. 

Charity Williams scored her 100th career SVNS series try in Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team’s first game against Brazil, surpassing 500 career SVNS series points.  

“I'm just really proud. I'm really proud of myself for being in the game for as long as I have,” said Williams. “It was awesome to get the ball from our captain who has just been wonderful to play with. It felt good to touch that one down.” 

Brazil responded immediately to tie the game 5-5, but another sprint from Williams quickly gave Canada back the lead, with a conversion from Olivia Apps putting Canada at 12-5. Brazil tied the game yet again in the sixth minute, with the score tied 12-12 at half-time. 

Florence Symonds scored in the tenth minute, capitalizing on a dropped ball inside Brazil’s 22. Canada’s score increased further with captain Piper Logan keeping the ball off a scrum and splitting two defenders for a try. Both of Canada’s second half tries were converted by Apps. Brazil scored on the final play of the game, with Canada taking the win 26-17.  

A first half hat trick for Asia Hogan-Rochester propelled Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team to a win over Spain in their second match of the day. Hogan-Rochester was the first to strike, followed by a try from Alysha Corrigan on the wing. Breanne Nicholas scored in the first half as well, with Canada leading 29-0 at the break.  

“I feel like I'm just hitting my stride this season for sure,” said Hogan-Rochester. “It's just a matter of maturing and growing confidence and wanting to continue off the high from the summer in Paris and just not being satisfied.” 

Carissa Norsten got her first of the tournament in the second half. Spain got on the board in the 13th minute, but Fancy Bermudez ensured that Canada had the last word with a try of her own. Apps converted two tries, Hogan-Rochester one, with Canada winning 41-5.  

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team opened the men’s invitational with a strong win over Trinidad and Tobago, with Ethan Hager leading the way with a hat trick, scoring twice in the first half and once in the second. Tries from Alex Russell, Morgan Di Nardo, and Jamie Armstrong, along with two conversions from Thomas Isherwood, gave Canada a 29-0 lead at half-time. 

The second half started with a quick try from Kyle Tremblay, with Rhys James and Ethan Turner adding tries as well. Trinidad and Tobago scored twice in the final five minutes, but Canada took the win convincingly 55-12. 

“We've been working a lot,” said Hager. “I am proud of the first effort but we have to keep building as we get ready to compete against the teams on the Challenger Series so we can earn promotion back to the top series.” 

Brenden Black opened scoring in Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team’s second match of the day against Japan, followed by first half tries from Ethan Turner, Elias Hancock, and Noah Bain, who scored off an impressive offload from Black.  

“It's an unreal experience, walking out here in front of the home fans,” said Black. “It's obviously quite a new experience for a lot of us for such a young team. We are really feeling the love.” 

Japan scored in the final minute of the first half and was the first to score in the second half. Ben Greenstein had the last word for Canada however, converting his own try to put Canada up 33-12, with Jamie Armstrong tackling a Japanese player out of bounds to end the game.  

Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team will close out pool play on Saturday February 22 against the 2025 HSBC SVNS Perth champions, Australia, at 3:08pm PT / 6:08pm ET. The game will be available on TSN3 and TSN+. 

Canada’s Men’s Sevens Team, who currently lead the men’s invitational with two wins, will finish the tournament on Saturday February 22, playing Trinidad and Tobago at 3:30pm PT / 6:30pm ET and Japan at 6:19pm PT / 9:19pm ET. Both games will be available on TSN3 and TSN+. 

TICKETS  

Tickets for HSBC SVNS Vancouver are available at vansevens.com, with limited single day Saturday tickets remaining. Single day tickets can also be purchased in person at the box office at Gates A and H at BC Place. 

MORE INFO  

For the most up to date information on the HSBC SVNS Series and live coverage, including details on the event format, the schedule and the latest news, visit the official website: svns.com.