Thousands of vociferous sports fans packed into Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas on Thursday evening for the HSBC USA Sevens Parade of Nations, cheering on all 28 teams who will take part in the men’s and women’s tournaments over the weekend.

While every team was applauded 10 deep along the route of the parade and on to the stage at the end of specially closed-off street, the biggest cheer of the evening was reserved for the home team. Strains of “U-S-A” could be heard as far away as the Strip as local supporters geared up for what promises to be a great three days of rugby sevens action in Sin City.

With the slightly surreal backdrop of street-long ziplines whizzing overhead and massive HD screens creating the razzmatazz one would expect in Las Vegas, the players were visibly thrilled to be there, taking the plaudits from the buzzing crowd. Dancing Japan players, singing Samoans and rocking Americans took to the stage, entering into the party spirit before the more serious part of the week gets underway early on Friday.

USA speedster Perry Baker said: “I love this, man! We get to interact with the fans and feed off their energy. Vegas is always a blast and I’m enjoying myself right now. 

'I'm lovin' it right now!'

“People love the sevens here. They get to cheer on the US team in a big international sporting event. And it’s rugby! It’s such a great game. It’s so much fun to watch and Vegas is a great place to have it. The weather’s nice, the people enjoy their rugby here. It’s great. I’m lovin’ it, right now!”

It was a view supported by a host of other players. This is the first time the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series has been held in Las Vegas and the significance was not lost on Canada’s talismanic player Jen Kish.

She said: “It’s crazy. I don’t think we’ve ever been part of a parade before so to be able to be part of this experience in Las Vegas is pretty incredible and is a special moment that we’ll always remember.”

Coming off the back of victory at the Sydney tournament last month makes this a big week for Canada as they seek to double down with a back-to-back win.

First time for women's event in Vegas

“It’s the first time the women’s series has come to Las Vegas so to be here is great. And of course the fact that we are here trying to get a back-to-back win makes it even more important for us. I don’t think we are feeling any extra pressure because of how we did in Sydney – any of the teams here can win. But if we play the rugby we want to play then we won’t be too far away at the end.”

England come into the tournament boosted by the general fitness of their team – this is a record fifth tournament in a row that Simon Amor has picked the exact same squad, a remarkable tribute to the work of the players and backroom staff. 

Having to shout over the noise of the crowd, the music and the excitable MC, 28-year-old winger Charlie Hayter said: “We’re really excited. I’m lucky enough to have experienced this before. It’s always a lot of fun here in Vegas and that energy continues on through the entire weekend so we’re looking forward to getting going tomorrow.

“(Our fitness) is a credit to our coaches. They manage our load really well. There is a short turnaround between these blocks so we’ve been working hard on our strength and conditioning. We’ve been lucky with injuries and we have a strong squad with players coming off the bench to make a big difference and guys pushing us from back home. That’s been really good.”

Match officials part of the celebration

As an integral part of the game itself, it was fitting that even the match officials were part of the celebration. Referee Rose LaBrèche said: “This is my first time in Vegas and the experience is absolutely phenomenal. Tonight is amazing, there are so many people here and it’s great for the players to be given this kind of reception by the supporters and other people who are here in Las Vegas.

“It’s going to a long two days for the women’s tournament. It’s going to be intense and very exciting. I’m just looking to perform at my best and hope to support the rest of the match official team as best I can.”

The general feeling among the local organisers is that this was the best parade of nations so far, which bodes well for the weekend ahead.

Tournament director Jon Hinkin said: “This is where all the fans get excited and also where the athletes get excited. The HSBC USA Sevens is the pinnacle of rugby sevens in the United States. Everyone marks Las Vegas rugby week down on their calendar and we have tens of thousands of fans coming from all over the United States for this. Tonight, at the Parade of Nations they have the chance to get up close and personal with their heroes. It’s a fantastic occasion.”