World Rugby unveils revamped HSBC SVNS series with new host cities and a three-tiered competition structure, gearing up for the LA28 Olympics.">
World Rugby has Officially confirmed the host cities for it’s newly structured top-tier sevens competition, the HSBC SVNS, and is actively preparing for its prominent role at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
HSBC SVNS Series: A New Era for Sevens Rugby
Table of Contents
- 1. HSBC SVNS Series: A New Era for Sevens Rugby
- 2. World Championship Format and Olympic Qualification
- 3. Team Lineups and Equal Pay
- 4. second and Third-Tier Divisions
- 5. HSBC SVNS Competition structure at a Glance
- 6. Leadership Change at Rugby Europe
- 7. The Evolution of Sevens Rugby
- 8. Frequently Asked Questions about HSBC SVNS
- 9. What impact could the addition of São Paulo, Brazil, as a host city have on the development of rugby in South America?
- 10. SVNS Series Reveals New Host cities as Rugby europe chief Announces Resignation
- 11. New Venues for the 2026 SVNS Season
- 12. The Impact of Octavian Morariu’s Resignation
- 13. what the SVNS Changes Mean for Fans
- 14. Ticketing and Travel Details
- 15. The Future of Sevens Rugby
Earlier this year, World Rugby announced a transformative three-division model scheduled for implementation in 2026.This Strategic shift is designed to both broaden the global reach of the sport and intensify competition among participating teams, aligned with the objectives of the upcoming Olympic Games.
The inaugural 2025-26 season of HSBC SVNS will feature competitions in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Cape Town, South africa; Singapore; and vancouver, Canada. Additional stops are planned in Australia and the United States, with specific locations yet to be disclosed.
World Championship Format and Olympic Qualification
The Regular season will culminate in the HSBC SVNS World Championship, comprised of three events: Hong Kong, Valladolid, Spain, and Bordeaux, France. These Championship matches will determine which teams qualify for the 2027 edition of the tournament.
The 2025-26 season is set to commence in Dubai in November and conclude in Bordeaux in June 2026. This Hosting model is secured for the following three years, ensuring continuity in preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Alan Gilpin, Chief Executive of World Rugby, expressed enthusiasm about the revamped series, stating, “Following a competitive process, we are delighted to confirm the locations and dates for the new-look HSBC SVNS 2026 Series, which features a three-location World Championship, adding to the excitement for fans.” He further noted the success of the two-day competition format and the strong support from cities and national unions.
Team Lineups and Equal Pay
The Men’s top-tier competition will include teams from Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain. The Women’s top-tier will feature teams from Australia,Canada,Fiji,France,Great Britain,Japan,New Zealand,and the United States.
Currently, South Africa holds the men’s world championship title, while New Zealand is the reigning women’s champion. Notably, both men’s and women’s teams will receive equal pay throughout all rounds of the competition.
second and Third-Tier Divisions
The Second Tier, known as SVNS 2, will involve six teams per gender competing across three events, while the Third Tier, designated SVNS 3, will serve as a ‘challenger’ event, featuring eight teams per gender.
HSBC SVNS Competition structure at a Glance
| Tier | Teams Per Gender | Events |
|---|---|---|
| SVNS 1 (Top Tier) | 8 | 6 Regular Season + 3 Championship Events |
| SVNS 2 (Second Tier) | 6 | 3 |
| SVNS 3 (Third Tier) | 8 | 1 (Challenger Event) |
Leadership Change at Rugby Europe
In addition to the HSBC SVNS announcements, Rugby Europe is currently seeking a new chief Executive following the resignation of Florent Marty.Jen Nielsen of World Rugby will serve as interim Chief Executive during the search for a successor.
Rugby Europe commended Marty for his contributions over the past seven years, highlighting his efforts to strengthen the sport’s presence throughout Europe.
Marty stated, “I am proud of what we have achieved together during the last seven years and confident that the sport will continue to thrive and expand.”
The Evolution of Sevens Rugby
Sevens Rugby has experienced critically important growth in recent years, particularly with its inclusion in the Olympic games. This faster-paced, more accessible format of the sport attracts a broader audience and provides opportunities for emerging nations to compete on the world stage. The HSBC SVNS series represents the latest effort to further develop the sport’s global appeal and create a lasting pathway for future success.
Did You Know? Sevens Rugby was first played in 1883 at Melrose, Scotland, as a variation of the customary fifteen-a-side game.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on emerging nations in the SVNS 2 and 3 tiers as they could become future contenders in the top-tier competition.
Frequently Asked Questions about HSBC SVNS
- What is HSBC SVNS? HSBC SVNS is World Rugby’s revamped global sevens series, featuring a three-tiered competition structure.
- Where will the HSBC SVNS events be held in 2025-26? Events will be held in Dubai,cape Town,Singapore,Vancouver,Australia (location TBD),and the United States (location TBD).
- What is the purpose of the three-tiered system? The system aims to expand the global reach of sevens rugby and increase competitiveness.
- How does HSBC SVNS relate to the 2028 Olympics? The series serves as a crucial preparation pathway for teams aiming to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
- Are men’s and women’s teams treated equally in the HSBC SVNS series? Yes, both men’s and women’s teams receive equal pay across all rounds.
- Who is the current men’s World Champion in Sevens Rugby? South Africa currently holds the men’s world championship title.
- Who is the current women’s World Champion in Sevens Rugby? New Zealand is the reigning women’s champion.
What are your thoughts on the new HSBC SVNS format? Do you think the three-tiered system will effectively promote the growth of sevens rugby?
What impact could the addition of São Paulo, Brazil, as a host city have on the development of rugby in South America?
SVNS Series Reveals New Host cities as Rugby europe chief Announces Resignation
New Venues for the 2026 SVNS Season
World Rugby has announced a notable shake-up for the HSBC SVNS series, revealing a fresh lineup of host cities for the 2026 season.This comes alongside the unexpected resignation of Rugby Europe President, Octavian Morariu. The changes aim to expand the global reach of the sevens rugby competition and attract new audiences.
Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed locations:
Cape Town, South Africa: Retains its spot as a key destination, known for its passionate fanbase and vibrant atmosphere. Expect continued high-energy rugby sevens action.
Dubai, UAE: Another returning venue, leveraging the UAE’s logistical advantages and growing interest in rugby.
Hong Kong: A historic and iconic location for sevens rugby, promising a return to its customary spectacle.
Singapore: Continues to be a popular stop, attracting a diverse crowd and offering a unique Asian experience.
Los Angeles, USA: A new addition, signaling world Rugby’s commitment to growing the sport in North America. this represents a major push for rugby in the USA.
São Paulo, Brazil: A groundbreaking inclusion, marking the first time a South American city will host a leg of the SVNS series. This is a huge step for South American rugby.
Melbourne, Australia: Expanding the series’ presence in Oceania, offering fans in australia a chance to witness world-class sevens rugby.
These new host cities represent a strategic move to tap into emerging rugby markets and broaden the series’ appeal. The selection process considered factors like stadium capacity, fan engagement, logistical infrastructure, and government support.
The Impact of Octavian Morariu’s Resignation
The timing of these announcements coincides with the surprising resignation of Octavian Morariu as President of Rugby Europe. Morariu, who served since 2019, cited personal reasons for his departure.However, his resignation follows a period of scrutiny regarding governance and financial openness within Rugby Europe.
Key points surrounding the resignation:
- Governance Concerns: Recent reports have highlighted issues related to financial management and decision-making processes within Rugby Europe.
- Self-reliant Review: An independent review was commissioned earlier this year to investigate these concerns, with findings expected to be released soon.
- Interim Leadership: An interim president will be appointed by the Rugby Europe board while a permanent successor is identified. The search for a new leader will focus on candidates with a strong track record in sports governance and a commitment to transparency.
- Impact on European Rugby: Morariu’s departure could potentially impact the development of European rugby, especially in the lead-up to major tournaments.
what the SVNS Changes Mean for Fans
The expanded SVNS series offers several benefits for fans:
More Global Access: Fans in new regions will have the opportunity to experience the excitement of sevens rugby firsthand.
Increased Competition: The diverse range of venues will likely attract a wider pool of international teams, leading to more competitive matches.
Enhanced Fan experience: Each host city is expected to offer a unique cultural experience alongside the rugby action.
* Growth of the Sport: The expansion of the SVNS series is a key component of World Rugby’s strategy to grow the global popularity of sevens rugby.
Ticketing and Travel Details
Details regarding ticketing and travel packages for the 2026 SVNS series will be released in the coming months. Fans are encouraged to visit the official HSBC SVNS website (https://www.world.rugby/hsbc-svns) for the latest updates and information. Early bird ticket offers and travel deals are expected to be available, so signing up for the newsletter is recommended. Consider looking into sports travel packages for a hassle-free experience.
The Future of Sevens Rugby
The combination of the SVNS series expansion and the Rugby Europe leadership change signals a period of transition and opportunity for the sport. The focus will be on strengthening governance, promoting inclusivity, and expanding the global reach of rugby sevens. The success of the new host cities will be crucial in demonstrating the viability of this expanded format and attracting further investment in the sport. The long-term goal is to solidify sevens rugby’s position as a major global sporting event, particularly in the lead-up to the Olympic Games.
