Sports
HSBC SVNS Vancouver 2024 Results
The HSBC SVNS tournament in Vancouver concluded with electrifying action as Argentina’s men and New Zealand’s women claimed championship titles. The three-day rugby sevens spectacle drew over 67,000 fans to BC Place, showcasing thrilling performances and dramatic victories.
Argentina Dominate Men’s Competition
Argentina solidified their dominance in men’s rugby sevens by clinching their third consecutive HSBC SVNS title with a commanding 36-12 victory over New Zealand in the final. Matias Osadczuk was the star of the match, scoring a hattrick to secure the gold.
The win extended Argentina’s lead in the men’s standings, now boasting a 24-point advantage over their closest rivals, Ireland and Fiji. “Maybe there’s some magic in the air,” said Marcos Moneta. “Each time we come here, we feel at home. Winning the third time just motivates us more.”
In the bronze medal match, France delivered an emphatic performance against the USA. Despite being down 12-0 early in the game and temporarily reduced to six players, France rallied to secure a 42-12 win. Rugby star Antoine Dupont capped the victory with a memorable try, further energizing French fans ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
New Zealand Black Ferns Seize Women’s Title
In the women’s final, New Zealand’s Black Ferns Sevens returned to peak form, defeating France 35-19 in front of an electric crowd. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe led the charge with a hattrick, showcasing her signature speed and agility.
“We simplified our game, focused on getting the ball wide and creating space,” Woodman-Wickliffe explained. “France is a formidable team, but this win gives us confidence heading into the next rounds.”
The women’s bronze medal match delivered one of the weekend’s most memorable moments as host nation Canada edged out tournament leaders Australia 19-14. The home crowd erupted in celebration as the Canadian team secured a hard-fought victory.
Standings Update
Argentina’s dominance has put them firmly in control of the men’s standings with 78 points, well ahead of Ireland and Fiji, both with 54 points. In the women’s league, Australia remains on top with 72 points, but New Zealand has closed the gap to just six points, while France trails closely with 62 points.
Looking Ahead
The fifth round of the HSBC SVNS 2024 season takes place in Los Angeles from March 1-3. Fans can purchase tickets at svns.com to witness more high-octane rugby action as teams battle for crucial points in the standings.
Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Reveal 2026 “After Dark” Home Kit
Vancouver Rise FC has revealed its new “After Dark” home kit for the 2026 Northern Super League season, pulling inspiration straight from the natural setting that surrounds its home at Swangard Stadium.
The design pays tribute to Central Park in Burnaby, with visuals that reflect the quiet, layered beauty of the park at night. Tree silhouettes stretch across the kit, creating a sense of depth and movement—meant to mirror the experience of looking up through the canopy after dark.
The club says the concept ties closely to its motto, “Stronger by Nature,” grounding the team’s identity in the environment that surrounds it. The design blends all crest colours with added tones that bring warmth and balance, giving the kit a look that feels both rooted and refined. Paired with classic shorts and socks, it leans into tradition while still telling a clear local story.
A key detail returns on both the After Dark kit and the club’s secondary “Sunshine Kit” for 2026. A Gold Pointed Star sits on the left sleeve, marking Vancouver Rise FC as the inaugural champions of the Northern Super League. The patch represents the league’s top honour and signals the club’s early place in its history.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley praised the design and its connection to the community, pointing to the pride residents have in their parks and green spaces. He added that seeing Central Park reflected in the team’s identity makes the return to Swangard Stadium for the new season feel even more meaningful.
The After Dark kit leans heavily into place and atmosphere. It’s less about flash and more about identity—something that feels tied to where the team plays and who shows up for them.
Pre-orders for both the After Dark and Sunshine kits are now available through the club’s official store, with options for delivery or in-stadium pickup.
Sports
2026 Stars On Ice Announces Olympic Bronze Medallists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirierat in Vancouver
Canadian figure skating fans are getting a rare post-Olympic victory lap moment this spring.
Fresh off the 2026 Winter Olympics, the country’s top skaters are heading out on the 2026 edition of Stars on Ice, with a stop in Vancouver set for May 12 at Rogers Arena.
Leading the lineup are Olympic bronze medallists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier. Their free dance this season, inspired by The Starry Night, helped secure their first Olympic podium and quickly became one of the most talked-about programs of the Games.
They’ll be joined by a stacked group of Canadian talent, including world champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps. Also on the bill: four-time national champion Madeline Schizas, and rising pair team Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, who recently picked up medals on the world stage.
The tour leans heavily into nostalgia too. Canadian icon Elvis Stojko returns as a central figure, still known for the kind of power and speed that made him a standout in the ’90s. Kaetlyn Osmond, one of the country’s most decorated skaters with Olympic gold, silver, and bronze to her name, is back as well.
Rounding out the cast are fan favourites Keegan Messing and Roman Sadovsky, with Sadovsky making his Stars on Ice debut. For the Vancouver show, guest performers Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac will join the lineup.
Behind the scenes, Kurt Browning returns as director and choreographer. His work has shaped the tour for years, blending technical skating with a more theatrical style that plays well in an arena setting.
The Vancouver stop is set for 7:00 p.m., with tickets already on sale through the usual outlets. Prices start at $35, with premium on-ice seating and group options available. More information on the Stars On Ice website.