Canada's Josiah Morra tries to tackle Spain's Francisco Cosculluela during Vancouver Sevens rugby action, in Vancouver, on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024.
Canada’s dreams of returning to top-tier rugby sevens have been thrown off course. On the eve of the season finale in Carson, California, World Rugby announced a sweeping change to the promotion format. The timing couldn’t have been worse for the Canadian men’s rugby team.
Unexpected Twist for Canadian Men’s Rugby Team Before Final Showdown
Canada had been preparing for a pivotal weekend. After being relegated from the HSBC SVNS circuit in June 2023, the men’s team clawed their way back into contention. They won the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens in November and placed third in the Challenger Series. With 48 points, they trailed Portugal (52) and Germany (50), edging out Samoa (44) for the final playoff slot.
Under the old system, the top four teams from this weekend’s playoff would have been promoted back to the elite level. But Thursday’s announcement changed everything.
A New Tiered System Unveiled
World Rugby introduced a three-division model set to launch next season. The top tier, now reduced to eight teams, will compete across six global events. The second division will host six teams in three events. A third division, formed through regional qualifiers, will have a stand-alone Challenger event.
At the end of the season, the top four Division 2 teams will join Division 1 in championship events. They’ll fight for promotion. Meanwhile, two Division 3 teams will advance to Division 2. This allows national teams to rise from regional play to global contention in one season.
Canadian Men Rugby Team’s Pathway Now More Complicated
As a result of the format shift, Canada is no longer playing for a direct spot in the top tier this weekend. The best outcome now is landing in SVNS 2 (Division 2) for the 2025–26 season. Finishing in the bottom half would send them back to regional qualifiers next season.
In a brief statement, Rugby Canada acknowledged the change. “The Canadian men will no longer be competing for a spot in the top level this weekend,” it read. The organization, however, expressed confidence in both teams appearing at the 2025 HSBC SVNS Vancouver event.
Players Left Frustrated by Sudden Change
For the players, the change stings. Elias Hancock, a 26-year-old from Ottawa, didn’t hold back. “Super-disappointing,” he said in a message to The Canadian Press. “Feels like they are moving the goalposts on us.”
Despite the setback, the team remains determined. Hancock emphasized their long-term goal—returning to top competition ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
World Rugby Defends Format Overhaul
According to World Rugby, the updated structure is designed for growth and sustainability. The governing body aims to increase global reach and build a more financially stable ecosystem.
World Rugby Sevens general manager Sam Pinder called the new model a long-term investment. “This evolved model provides greater certainty for unions,” he said. It offers “greater pathway opportunities than ever before.”
To back the new vision, World Rugby has committed £10 million ($18.4 million CAD) annually to the series, with much of it going to participating teams.
Canadian Women Eye the Title
While the men’s team faces a steeper climb, Canada’s women are still in title contention. They finished fourth in the regular season and landed in Pool A for this weekend’s championship. They’ll face New Zealand, Japan, and Britain.
Canada’s women had strong outings in Hong Kong and Singapore, finishing third at both. Now, they’re chasing glory alongside the top-ranked teams from New Zealand, Australia, France, Fiji, the U.S., and Japan.
A Bumpy Road Ahead for the Men’s Team
The Canadian men have battled through Trinidad, South Africa, and Poland to get here. Just last year, they barely avoided relegation after a dramatic win over Kenya.
Now, the road to redemption looks longer. But with grit and focus, they’re not giving up. The climb continues—with 2028 still in sight.
