‘I can honestly say…’: Blitzbok fires warning before SVNS season opener

Defending HSBC SVNS Series champions South Africa “will be hard to beat” at the 2025/26 season opener in Dubai, with David Brits declaring the Blitzboks are primed for the event they’ve dominated since 2014.

South Africa had only won the Dubai Sevens three times before a dynasty was born 11 years ago, when they defeated Australia 33-7 in a one-sided final. The Blitzboks won seven of the next nine Dubai titles, with Fiji and New Zealand winning the other two in 2015 and 2018 respectively.

Fiji took their place on the podium at The Sevens Stadium last season, bringing South Africa’s run of five consecutive Dubai tournament triumphs to an end. The Fijians won the decider 19-5 against Spain, who had defeated the All Blacks Sevens twice during their run to the final.

The Blitzboks bounced back the following weekend in Cape Town, securing a drought-breaking title on home soil with a 26-14 win over France. That was one of South Africa’s two titles in the 2024/25 season, taking out the winner-takes-all World Championship in Los Angeles.

Brits played a central role in the Blitzboks’ success in both Cape Town and LA, and the powerful ball-carrier is ready for another season on the world’s premier sevens circuit, which gets underway in Dubai on November 29-30.

“I can honestly say we are ready for Dubai – we have been working so hard over the last couple of weeks, with a squad that are so strong in depth and competitive edge, that I believe we will be hard to beat,” Brits said in a statement.

“Training in very hot conditions also prepares us for the heat one normally experiences in Dubai.”

South Africa have been drawn in the ‘pool of champions’ ahead of the Dubai Sevens, drawn in Pool A along with reigning League Winners Argentina, Paris Olympics gold medallists France, and last season’s Dubai champions Fiji.

The All Blacks Sevens headline a tough Pool B that includes traditional rivals Australia, and giant-slayers Spain and Great Britain. Spain finished last season’s round-robin in third place behind Argentina and the Fijians, before securing a silver medal at the World Championship.

“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.”