Stakes Soar as final round approaches of World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025

The captains of the eight women’s and eight men’s teams gathered near Henryk Reyman Munical Stadium on Thursday against the backdrop of one of Krakow’s iconic tram’s which proudly displayed promotion of the tournament.

The 16 teams qualified following two days of thrilling action at the second round of the Challenger Series which took place in Cape Town in March and saw Portugal’s men’s team and Kenya Women’s taking the top honours.

At the end of this weekend’s World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger, the four men’s and women’s teams with the most cumulative points gained across the three Challenger rounds will qualify for the HSBC SVNS Play-off competition in Los Angeles on 3-4 May.

Natalia Pamieta, Poland Women’s captain, commented at the shoot: “It is always very special to play in front of the home crowd. There will be our families and friends at the stadium and it always gives as extra motivation and some kind of super power.

“We want to play our strengths and show the best rugby we can play. We want to do it for our fans, friends, families but also for ourselves."

Jaroslaw Parasal President of Polish Rugby Union also added: “The fact that this is the only World Rugby Sevens tournament in Europe this year means a lot for us.

“We have a great partnership with World Rugby that we continue to build on from hosting the HSBC Sevens Challenger final women’s tournament last year to this years expanded tournament.

“We do our best to make another step forward this year, grow the sport in the region and ensure the teams have a great time. This event is really special for Polish rugby and there are fans coming from all around the country to be with us this weekend so we hope for fantastic spectacle!”

The action in Henryk Reyman's Municipal Stadium kicks off at 9am on Friday with pool matches. The Knockouts begin on Saturday at 11am with the men’s and women’s finals at 5.47pm and 6.15pm respectively.

SA pool fixtures

Friday

11.34am v Poland

3.04pm v Czechia

6.12pm v Argentina

The Springbok Women’s Sevens squad

Rights Mkhari

Zandile Masuku

Kemisetso Baloyi

Kyla de Vries

Zintle Mpupha

Shiniqwa Lamprecht

Mathrin Simmers (captain)

Vianca Boer *

Nadine Roos

Ayanda Malinga

Maria Tshiremba

Patience Mokone *

* uncapped