Rugby fans from far as Alberta Province came in droves for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, Canada Sevens.

The Edmontonian and the Calgarians have driven for some 13 hours with families and friends.

Some have decided to bunk in with families, while others with fiends and the partiers have checked into Downtown Vancouver hotels for the weekend long event.

Special buses will also be leaving the Alberta Province today for Vancouver, the arrangement was made by hordes to avoid the hassle of driving in the winter like conditions.

Raymond Naidu of Millwood, Edmonton said while most of his friends have car pooled, he chose to bus to Vancouver.

He said the 13-hour bus ride may seem like a long haul but the beauty of the scenery, and the excitement of the sevens games makes the journey that much more fun.

“It is all about the love for the sport of rugby sevens and the country that makes me come and support the team in Vancouver”, he said.

Naidu said unlike past two years, many travelers have decided to bus to Vancouver.

“Cost effective. And one doesn’t have to worry about getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

“People can even enjoy a few drinks on-route and leave the driving part to the professional”.

Calgarian, Raj Kamal and 10 of his friends, who call themselves a ‘Trotters’, travel places for sporting and cultural events.

His group, like many other partiers, will be staying in a hotel.

“We all have families in Surrey and Vancouver area, but we decided to stay in Downtown, Vancouver and party like a rock star”.

Raj said a good over 1000 Albertans will bus to Vancouver and just about double the number in car pools and private vehicles.

Canadian Fijians owed a home win

Delirious Canadian Fijians are in a desperate need of a home championship that has eluded them for the last two years.

While a record 15 thousand Fijians enjoyed every bit of the event over two days by creating a unique backdrop with costumes and sounds, the ‘Dome’ victory has starved them a glimpse of the podium run and that have many disappointed.

The Vancouver Sevens is the sixth leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and while the event enters in its third and final year, Canada Sevens is hopeful to land an extension but should the bid fall, Fijians off all would be left to rue the missed opportunity of a title celebration before the hub of the community who reside on the lower-mainland.

Fiji Airways hosted to a dinner

Fiji Airways 7s team was treated to a private dinner at Vancouver’s popular eatery, the Shark Club last night.

Fijian consulate to Canada, Bobby Naicker hosted the team and invited guests.

Naicker said it was always an honor to host Fijian rugby players who continue to proud the nation.

“The players and the coaching staff are our guests and it is our responsibility to take care of them whenever they’re in Vancouver, Canada.”

Edited by  Anasilini Ratuva

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