HSBC SVNS launches in Dubai with destinations for all three levels locked in, stars confirmed and a new format to excite fans

Designed to bring fans closer to the action than ever before, the refreshed three-tier structure promises more high-stakes clashes, more rising stars, and more world-class sevens rugby across the globe with the opportunity for teams to progress from regional competition to the top-level HSBC SVNS 1 within a year.

Unveiled earlier this year, the new three-tier global structure sets a clear, competitive pathway for teams worldwide. With all dates, destinations and participating nations now locked in, HSBC SVNS 2026 is set to deliver a blockbuster season - 13 events across 12 countries and all six World Rugby regions, showcasing the world’s best teams in a truly global series.

With full gender parity at its core, every SVNS event will host both men’s and women’s teams, with equal participation fees for both. With a number of Women’s Rugby World Cup stars now heading to HSBC SVNS to continue showcasing their talent on the world stage, the influence of the sevens pathway has never been clearer. A total of 48 athletes who honed their craft on the Sevens circuit went on to feature at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, highlighting just how powerful the format has become in producing elite players capable of excelling across both formats.

For the first time, a three-destination SVNS World Championship will feature the top 24 teams, 12 women’s and 12 men’s competing for the honour of being crowned the 2026 SVNS Women’s and Men’s World Champions. The Championship journey will kick off in Hong Kong at the iconic Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, before heading to Europe for an exciting new double-header finale. Valladolid (Spain) and Bordeaux (France) will make their debut on the SVNS calendar, hosting back-to-back events that will bring the World Championship to a dramatic close

Last week, the host city for the USA leg of the SVNS Series was announced with the addition of New York, completing the full schedule for the 2026 Series. Across these six iconic global destinations – Dubai, Cape Town, Singapore, Perth, Vancouver and New York - the world’s best sevens teams will go head-to-head in high-intensity, two-day tournaments that showcase the sport at its fastest and most dynamic. Fans can look forward to fast-paced action, fierce competition, and an unforgettable live experience at every stop on the SVNS Series.

Women: Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, USA

Men: Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain

World Rugby is also pleased to confirm the event destinations for HSBC SVNS 2, which will take place in Nairobi, Montevideo and São Paulo. Four women’s and four men’s teams have already secured their place in SVNS 2, with the remaining two qualification spots in each competition to be determined through advancement from SVNS 3.

Nairobi: 14-15 Feb

Montevideo: 21-22 Mar

Sao Paulo: 28-29 Mar

Women: China, Kenya, Spain, Brazil and top two from SVNS 3

Men: Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay and top two from SVNS 3

SVNS 3 has been confirmed to take place in Dubai on 17-18 January, where everything will be on the line for teams battling to secure a place in SVNS 2. Fans can expect a fascinating and fiercely competitive tournament as the winners of regional competitions go head-to-head.

Women: Argentina, Colombia, Czechia, Mexico, Poland, Samoa, South Africa, Thailand

Men: Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong China, Italy, Madagascar, Samoa, Tonga

With confirmed fixtures, clarity of pathway, and the energy of our new content campaign ‘Rugby Let Loose’, HSBC SVNS 2026 marks a new era.

• The world’s best teams competing across three levels

• Major destination events in key global markets

• Opportunity for emerging nations to climb rapidly through the system

• Momentum building toward the Los Angeles Olympic Games 2028

HSBC SVNS 2026 is not just a competition, it is the launchpad for a new era of global rugby sevens, where the energy is unstoppable.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin commented at the launch event: “We’re entering an exciting new era for sevens as we kick off the journey to LA 2028. With all fixtures locked in across all three levels of HSBC SVNS, it’s really all to play for. Fans will experience top-tier action in iconic new cities like New York, Valladolid and Bordeaux, while the world’s best teams bring the sport to new heights. Sevens is ready to thrill fans like never before."

HSBC SVNS 2026 was launched at an event today in Dubai with World Rugby’s Chair Brett Robinson, Chief Executive, Alan Gilpin and the team captains ahead of the opening weekend of the series which is taking place at The Sevens Stadium on 29-30 November. As well as seeing the world’s best teams take to the field, fans are set to enjoy a huge line of music acts including Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul, Shaggy and DJ EZ bringing non-stop party vibes to the Middle East's biggest sports and entertainment festival.

Springbok Sevens squad for Dubai (with HSBC SVNS stats)

#1 Christie Grobbelaar – 23 tournaments, 170 points (34 tries)

#2 Ryan Oosthuizen – 56 tournaments, 230 points (46 tries)

#3 Impi Visser (captain) – 46 tournaments, 225 points (45 tries)

#4 Zain Davids – 53 tournaments, 245 points (49 tries)

#5 Ricardo Duarttee – 19 tournaments, 296 points (23 tries, 89 conversions, 1 penalty)

#7 Ronald Brown – 20 tournaments, 425 points (43 tries, 105 conversions)

#8 Selvyn Davids – 42 tournaments, 737 points (96 tries, 126 conversions, 1 penalty)

#12 Shilton van Wyk – 27 tournaments, 260 points (52 tries)

#13 Mfundo Ndhlovu – 19 tournaments, 125 points (25 tries)

#15 Donavan Don – 9 tournaments, 59 points (11 tries, 2 conversions)

#19 David Brits – 9 tournaments, 40 points (8 tries)

#21 Zander Reynders – 6 tournaments, 15 points (3 tries)

#24 Tristan Leyds – 11 tournaments, 132 points (16 tries, 26 conversions)

2026 HSBC SVNS schedule

29-30 November 2025: Dubai

6-7 December 2025: Cape Town

31 January-1 February: Singapore

7-8 February: Perth

7-8 March: Vancouver

14-15 March: New York

17-19 April: Hong Kong (World Championship Series, Round 1)

29-31 May: Valladolid (World Championship Series, Round 2)

5-7 June: Bordeaux (World Championship Series, Round 3)