Eight XVs stars who would light up the HSBC SVNS Series

The HSBC SVNS Series is set to return at the end of November, but talk is already abuzz as to which names will stand out with Olympic qualifications in the background.

While many upcoming stars will come through the ranks of sevens pathways, there is another fertile ground that could see several exciting players excel on the circuit – international XVs rugby.

While the Nations Championship and Nations Cup saw sevens players flourish for sides all around the world, the tournament, as well as other competitions, also showed that several key names in XVs could fit in right at home in the rapid-fire nature of the shorter format.

RugbyPass gives our picks for eight stars of the XVs game who we think would excel on the SVNS Series circuit – as well as some who we think should return.

Max Jorgensen – Australia

Starting with one of the breakout stars over the last 18 months, Max Jorgensen has risen rapidly up the ranks of dangerous finishers in XVs, signalling his arrival with his now-famous try after the siren to defeat England at Twickenham in 2024.

Backing it up with strong form for the NSW Waratahs and tries against the British & Irish Lions, South Africa and France to name a few, Jorgensen has been keeping the likes of SVNS Series title winner Corey Toole out of the Wallabies – which suggests he has all the skills to push the men in gold to another level.

Henry Pollock – England

Becoming known for his showmanship and match-winning cameos off the bench for England, Henry Pollock’s form for Northampton screams effort, winning the 2025 Premiership Breakthrough Player of the Season Award.

Given his ability to get tongues talking, Pollock would not just be a brutal carrier in the sevens format, but also get the crowd into the game.. No matter how polarising he might seem, Pollock would also provide that show-stopping moment that will get tongues talking.

Antoine Dupont – France

An Olympic gold medalist already, it would be fair to exclude Antoine Dupont. But having only played one year in the shorter format, the 64-capped scrum half made an impression, his presence bringing the best out of his French teammates.

It almost feels inevitable that he should return for another stint in the shorter format, and with a gold medal to defend, the 2026-27 SVNS series might serve as the perfect time.

Canan Moodie – South Africa

A World Cup winner and 22-capped Springbok, Canan Moodie has quickly become one of South Africa’s most dangerous finishers since his 2022 debut, scoring nine tries across his career.

Being the second-youngest player to ever play for the Springboks, his sheer size makes him have all the makings of a winger that could tear teams apart with more space, making him an ideal weapon the Blitzboks could utilise.

Renee Holmes – New Zealand

It is surprising to hear that with someone who has won a World Cup, been capped 30 times for her nation and is renowned as one of the most dangerous fullbacks and finishers in the world, that Renee Holmes has also not played in the sevens format.

The 26-year-old has continued to excel, finishing with 64 points at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, the second-highest point-scorer of the tournament. All signs are pointing to her transitioning to the Black Ferns 7s however, having been named in their development to compete at the Coral Coast 7s in January this year.

Desiree Miller – Australia

With Maya Stewart going on to debut and impress at the Singapore SVNS earlier this year, it was almost inevitable that her long-time Wallaroo and NSW Waratah running mate Desiree Miller would be considered for the shorter format of the game. Truth be told, it’s warranted.

One of the highest point-scorers for both her provincial and international sides, Miller’s speed and versatility, as well as developing ability with the boot, makes her an ideal candidate to fit into the Aussie 7s program – with the winger herself expressing interest.

Josivini Neihamu – Fiji

A name to watch in women’s rugby, Josivini Neihamu is already being touted as an exciting long term prospect for the Fiji 7s, having started out playing both formats.

Being nominated for the World Rugby Women’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2025, Neihamu dominated in the centres in the 2026 Super Rugby Women’s season. With form that promising, her inclusion on the circuit feels more like a when, not if scenario.

Morgane Bourgeois – France

Finishing in France, 18-capped international Morgane Bourgeois has been a regular feature for both the national side and provincial outfit Stade Bordelais, winning two titles with them in 2023 and 2024.

Having also scored 137 points in her short international career, she finished the 2025 Rugby World Cup among the top point scorers in the tournament, and with a quality kicking boot would prove an eclectic weapon for Les Bleus to unleash.