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
Toronto Tempo Bringing WNBA Action to Vancouver for Two-Game Series
WNBA basketball is coming to Vancouver this summer as the Toronto Tempo bring two regular-season games to Rogers Arena as part of their inaugural season.
The Tempo will face the Portland Fire on August 21 before taking on the Las Vegas Aces on August 23. The two games will give basketball fans across British Columbia a chance to see Canada’s WNBA team play on the West Coast.
The Vancouver series is part of the Tempo’s push to build a team that represents fans across the country. The franchise has already made its mark in its first season, including a record-setting stop in Montreal.
The Tempo’s regular-season showcase at Montreal’s Bell Centre drew 20,996 fans, setting a new WNBA regular-season attendance record. The Vancouver games continue that effort to bring the team closer to fans outside Toronto.
“From the beginning, our vision has been to build a team that represents all of Canada,” said Teresa Resch, President of the Toronto Tempo. “The support we’ve seen from fans across the country has been incredible, and we’re excited to bring the energy of the WNBA to Vancouver.”
Resch added that the games are a chance to celebrate basketball on the West Coast and connect with communities across the country.
Vancouver has a long history with basketball and has produced elite players at various levels. The Tempo’s visit gives local fans a chance to see professional women’s basketball in their own city, while providing young athletes with another opportunity to see the sport at its highest level.
The Tempo will stay in Vancouver beyond the court. The team will host Tempo Live at Rogers Arena on Saturday, August 22. The free community event will feature interactive basketball activities, clinics, exclusive merchandise and family-friendly programming.
Tickets for the Tempo’s August 21 game against Portland and August 23 matchup with Las Vegas are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
Sports
Toronto Tempo Could Make WNBA Attendance History in Montreal
The Toronto Tempo are on the verge of making WNBA history when they bring their Cross-Canada Series to Montreal next month.
The Tempo will face the Atlanta Dream at the Bell Centre on July 10, with the possibility of setting a new attendance record for a WNBA game. If the game sells out, more than 22,000 fans would fill the arena, surpassing the current WNBA regular-season attendance record of 20,711 set by the Washington Mystics at Capital One Arena in 2024.
A packed Bell Centre would also eclipse the WNBA playoff attendance record of 22,076, which was established during Game 3 of the 2003 WNBA Finals between the Detroit Shock and Los Angeles Sparks before being matched in Game 5 of the 2007 WNBA Finals between the Phoenix Mercury and Detroit Shock. It would mark the largest crowd ever for a professional women’s basketball regular-season game, breaking the previous record of 21,490 set during an Unrivaled game in Philadelphia earlier this year.
The potential milestone comes during the Tempo‘s inaugural WNBA season and would add another chapter to the continued growth of women’s basketball in Canada.
“Playing two games in Montreal this summer is a huge moment for the Tempo and for basketball in Canada,” said Tempo President Teresa Resch. “From the beginning, we’ve said we want to be Canada’s team, and bringing the WNBA to Montreal is an important part of that vision. There is such a strong and passionate basketball community in Quebec, and we’re excited to connect with fans there in a meaningful way. We can’t wait to experience the energy inside the Bell Centre and continue growing the game across the country together.”
The Cross-Canada Series will offer more than basketball. Throughout the weekend, the Tempo will host community events, youth programs and fan experiences aimed at growing the sport across Quebec.
The team is partnering with Ball Her Way and the Mathurin Family Foundation to increase access to basketball for young athletes, including a girls’ 3-on-3 tournament presented by Canadian Tire featuring teams from Montreal and Quebec City. The Tempo say more community investments and programming in the Montreal area will be announced in the coming months.
Fans can take part in Tempo Live at the Bell Centre on July 11. The free event will include interactive basketball activities, community clinics, exclusive merchandise and family-friendly entertainment.
The weekend concludes on July 12, when the Tempo host the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty at the Bell Centre at 3 p.m. ET as part of the Cross-Canada Series.
Tickets for both Montreal games are available through Ticketmaster.