Big Weekend at the Kamloops 7s Crowns Age-Grade Champions
McArthur Island Park was buzzing with excitement September 20-21 as the 2025 BC Rugby Kamloops 7s wrapped up a record-breaking weekend of junior rugby competition. A total of 128 teams participated, making it Canada’s largest junior rugby 7s event. Over 2,500 attendees witnessed more than 300 matches played across ten different age and gender divisions.
The tournament drew U14, U16, and U18 boys and girls teams from British Columbia and beyond, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere along Kamloops’ northern shore. Competition was fierce, with teams battling through preliminary rounds on Saturday to secure their place in Sunday’s playoff brackets.
The event began with a meaningful acknowledgement of the land, featuring a traditional welcome song and prayer lead by Leigh LaRue and Laura Saul of Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc. BC Rugby recognizes the tournament was held on the unceded territory of the Secwépemc Nation, within their traditional lands in the southern interior of British Columbia.
Following the opening ceremony, a dynamic first day of play saw over 200 matches contested. Day two culminated in the crowning of ten Divisional champions, each receiving gold medals and the prestige of victory. A new element was added to the U18 Elite Divisions this year, with winning teams awarded commemorative plaques and the honor of celebrating with two unique Shields.
The Kamloops 7s serves a vital role in developing Age-Grade Rugby within British Columbia and strengthening the pathway for Rugby 7s athletes. It also acts as a key lead-in to the Age-Grade Club XVs Season, which begins September 28th.
BC Rugby will soon release a full photo gallery of the event, available on their social media channels. Photography was provided by Bold Photos by Shelly.The association gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia in making the tournament a success.
