Health and safety of players, fans and staff the organization's highest priority

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – COVID-19 concerns have prompted the cancellation of Rugby Sevens events in Hong Kong and Singapore, but local organizers say next weekend’s tournament at BC Place is still set to go ahead.

Canada Sevens staff acknowledge they are monitoring the situation, though, with the teams participating in an event in L.A. this weekend.

“Only the Hong Kong and Singapore stops have been rescheduled,” said Shaun Thompson, communications director with HSBC Canada Sevens.

The Sevens event remains scheduled for March 7-8 at BC Place.

“The postponement of the Asian segment of the series does not affect the scheduling of the other tournaments. The 16 international teams arrived safely in California earlier this week for the HSBC LA Sevens tournament this weekend, which has not been impacted.”

Thompson said the health and safety of players, fans and staff working the event remain the organization’s highest priority.

“In conjunction with World Rugby, we will continue to monitor the situation, work with our local partners and defer to the appropriate health advisory organizations regarding preparedness.”