Heavyweight SVNS clashes galore as Dubai Sevens pools revealed

Defending HSBC Women’s SVNS Series champions New Zealand will kick off the new season with a heavyweight clash against France in Dubai, with World Rugby confirming the pools ahead of the season-opener on November 28-30.

New Zealand have been drawn in a tough pool alongside the United States of America, Fiji and France, with all four of those teams finishing on the podium in at least one stop during the 2024/25 regular season.

The Black Ferns Sevens open the new season against the French at 10:58 am local time, before Australia kick off their campaign against Japan at 11:42 am. Australia are looking to go one better this season after finishing second at the winner-takes-all World Championship last time.

Australia will face Paris Olympics silver medallists Canada, Great Britain and Japan in Pool B. GB take on the Aussies at 6:11 pm on the opening day of play, while another pool stage highlight in the women’s draw is Fiji versus France earlier at 1:59 pm.

The “pool of champions” in the men’s draw sees Argentina take on South Africa, France and Fiji. Argentina were the League Winners last season, but South Africa claimed the top prize at the World Championship in Los Angeles.

 

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France are also the reigning Olympic gold medallists and they took out the Grand Final event in Madrid to bring the 2023/24 season to a close. Then there’s Fiji, with the fan favourites taking out the Dubai and Singapore titles during last season’s round-robin.

In Pool B, New Zealand will take on SVNS Series giant-slayers Spain, Australia and Great Britain. Spain defeated the All Blacks Sevens a few times last season, while the trans-Tasman rivalry between the Aussies and Kiwis is always an unmissable contest.

Fiji face Argentina at 1:10 pm, South Africa take on France at 1:32 pm, then there’s the blockbuster clash between the All Blacks Sevens and Australia at 1:54 pm, before Fiji take on defending Series champions South Africa at 4:16 pm.

“The HSBC SVNS is back! Dubai is the perfect kick-off for the new-look series, featuring the world’s top teams, the biggest stars and more best v best matches over two competition days,” World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said in a statement.

“With a runway through to the LA 2028 Olympic Games, some of the biggest stars who shone brightly at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will be in action, bringing fans even closer to the personalities who inspired a new fanbase for the sport.”

Festival Director Mathew Tait added: “With so many Women’s Rugby World Cup stars returning to the HSBC SVNS stage, this year’s Emirates Dubai 7s will be a showcase of world-class talent. Dubai sets the tone for the global series, and fans can expect thrilling matches, incredible music, and an electric atmosphere.”

Off the pitch, Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul, and Shaggy will bring the entertainment as the music line-up on Saturday. Superstar DJs EZ and FISHER close out the festival on Sunday.

Tickets are available now via emiratesdubai7s.com.