World Championship of Rugby Sevens Offers Trial Run for Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games Competitions
Jovial Reunion at the Rugby Sevens Extravaganza
A lively group of friends, hailing from Cornwall, England, took a whopping 5,408-mile journey to attend the Rugby Sevens World Championship at the Dignity Health Sports Park. Despite the long trek and questionable weather, their camaraderie and passion for rugby kept spirits high.
Decked out in customized button-up shirts and shorts, each friend proudly displayed emblems representing their hometown - the Union Jack, a classic Cornish mining engine house, and scones with cream first, followed by jam. They were quick to correct anyone who dared to disagree with their tradition.
Their spontaneous getaway was a series of phone calls among seven childhood friends, with the final go-ahead hinging upon their wives' approval. While they were met with dismal weather instead of the sunny California they expected, the rough weather couldn't dampen their enthusiasm.
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Jason Penprase, a rugby enthusiast, commented on the energy-filled atmosphere of the Rugby Sevens World Championship, likening it to a European music festival meets Halloween. He appreciated the diverse crowd, expressing that the tournament showcased nations not typically associated with rugby.
With rugby sevens combining the lively ambiance of a European festival, the high-octane intensity of an NFL Sunday, and an array of cultures, the two-day tournament provided a taste of what to expect when the sport takes center stage at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
A Preview of Olympic Fervor
The tournament, marking the first time the championship was held on American soil, not only gave fans a sneak peek of the upcoming Olympics but also offered an unforgettable experience for participants.
For Nia Toliver, a member of the U.S. women's national team, the opportunity to compete close to her South Central L.A. hometown allowed her family and friends to witness her journey. Despite the team's heartbreaking 27-7 loss in the bronze medal match against Canada, Toliver, who was named rookie of the year after the tournament, remains Motivated for Olympic glory.
The fervor was particularly palpable among Kenyan fans, who supported their country loud and proud. Equipped with African drums and miniature flags, they created a vibrant and boisterous atmosphere. For Ng'ang'a Njenga, a devoted supporter, the tournament was about joy, not winning or losing.
Players mingled with fans, enjoying the festivities, and were a common sight throughout the event. Grace Adhiambo Okulu, captain of the Kenyan women's team, cheerfully obliged fans who asked for selfies and autographs.
Despite some criticism from fans about the setup and transportation challenges, the event attracted close to 27,000 fans over the weekend. Excitement for the 2028 Olympics continues to build, as many spectators are already looking forward to another unforgettable rugby experience.
The Cornishmen, whose wives have yet to grant permission for a return trip, are hopeful that the next journey to L.A. will be sunnier than the last.
Additional Reading
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Supplementary Insights:- Rugby Sevens was introduced at the Olympics for the first time in Rio 2016 and is slated to continue in the Olympics, with the next event being in Los Angeles in 2028.- There have been recent changes to the HSBC SVNS competition model, including an expanded calendar and a new three-division regular season starting in 2026, aimed at increasing global reach and financial sustainability.- The structure for future competitions will be influenced by the new SVNS model, where teams will be divided into divisions based on performance in upcoming events. The top eight teams from the 2025 World Championship will form the first division for the 2026 series.- Teams typically qualify for the Olympics through their performance in World Rugby sanctioned events and regional competitions. However, the exact qualification processes and participating countries for the 2028 Olympics are not yet confirmed.
- The Cornishmen, having journeyed 5,408 miles from England, attended the Rugby Sevens World Championship in Los Angeles, California, despite unfavorable weather conditions.
- Despite the dismal weather, the spirit of camaraderie among the Cornishmen and their passion for rugby kept spirits high during the tournament.
- The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will feature additional venues such as Dodger Stadium and Alamitos Beach, according to the latest announcement.
- A keen rugby enthusiast, Jason Penprase likened the Rugby Sevens World Championship to a European music festival meets Halloween, appreciating the diverse crowd it attracted.
- The Rugby Sevens World Championship offered an unforgettable experience for participants, serving as a sneak peek of the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics and showcasing various cultures from around the world.
- For Ng'ang'a Njenga, a Kenyan fan, the tournament was about joy, not winning or losing, as he created a vibrant and boisterous atmosphere with African drums and miniature flags.
