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

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SVNS | 25 November, 2025

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

Global energy, superstar talent, and a new competition format headline a bold new era for HSBC SVNS, as World Rugby unveils the host cities for the newly expanded second and third divisions.

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 world-class sevens rugby across the globe with the opportunity for teams to progress from regional competitions 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 — thirteen events across twelve 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. A number of Women’s Rugby World Cup stars are heading to HSBC SVNS to continue showcasing their talent on the world stage. 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 the pathway’s strength in producing elite players capable of excelling across both formats.

HSBC SVNS World Championship

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 to bring the World Championship to a dramatic close.

HSBC SVNS Series

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 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.

Participating Teams 2026 HSBC 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

VIEW HSBC SVNS FIXTURES HERE

HSBC SVNS 2

World Rugby has confirmed 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, with the remaining two qualification spots in each competition to be determined through advancement from SVNS 3.

Nairobi: 14-15 Feb 2026
Montevideo: 21-22 Mar 2026
São Paulo: 28-29 Mar 2026
Women: China, Kenya, Spain, Brazil, and top two from SVNS 3
Men: Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay, and top two from SVNS 3

HSBC SVNS 3

SVNS 3 will take place in Dubai on 17–18 January 2026, where teams will battle 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, a clear pathway, and the energy of the 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

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin commented:
“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 lands in Dubai

HSBC SVNS 2026 was launched in Dubai with World Rugby’s Chair Brett Robinson, Chief Executive Alan Gilpin, and team captains ahead of the opening weekend at The Sevens Stadium on 29-30 November. Fans will also enjoy 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.

Tickets are on sale now at emiratesdubai7s.com