February 23, 2025 (Vancouver, BC) – Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team closed out the 10th edition of HSBC SVNS Vancouver with a 27-10 win over the United States in the seventh place play-off.
Asia Hogan-Rochester opened scoring in the first minute with a clean break down the middle of the field, reaching over 200 career SVNS series points. Their try was converted by Olivia Apps to give Canada an early 7-0 lead.
Florence Symonds scored her first of three tries moments later following a scrum at USA’s 22, adding a second in the fifth minute.
The Americans managed to score their first of the game on the final play of the first half, but Canada maintained a 17-5 lead at half-time. They attempted to close the gap with Canada in the second half, scoring early to put themselves within one converted try of the Canadians.
Olivia Sarabura extended the lead for Canada in the twelfth minute however, dodging the last American defender on the edge to score her first-ever SVNS series try and put Canada up 22-10.
“It was really good to end on a dub like that. It was awesome especially because it was on home soil, it was really cool to do it in front of all my friends and family,” said Sarabura. “We’re trying to build from this and grow. The takeaway is that we know what we can do, we know what we’re capable of.”
A quick tap from Apps went through the hands of Carissa Norsten, who found Symonds to secure her hat trick and a 27-10 victory for Canada.
“That was so awesome. I think we definitely came out with all the energy in the world. We needed that win for us to be able to finish the day on a high,” said Symonds. “I think we’re trying to play faster. We’re trying to play with excitement. We worked a lot today on trying to stay connected on our defence, trying to stay connected on our attack.”
Next up for Canada’s Women’s Sevens Team is Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, which takes place March 28-30, 2025. Pools will be drawn at the conclusion of HSBC SVNS Vancouver.
MORE INFO
For the most up to date information on the HSBC SVNS Series and live coverage, including details on the event format, the schedule and the latest news, visit the official website: svns.com.
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About Rugby Canada
Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. They administer and operate Men’s and Women’s Senior and Junior National programs in both rugby 15s and 7s, as well as govern the Club and community game for more than 30,000 registered participants from coast to coast in conjunction with ten Provincial Union members.
Rugby Canada is headquartered at the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford, BC, with staff also working from Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. Rugby Canada business operations, programs and events are delivered nationwide, including the internationally recognized HSBC Canada Sevens annual tournaments.
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lmontroy@rugby.ca