New Zealand Sevens reveal new captains ahead of SVNS Series opener

New Zealand Sevens have confirmed new team captains ahead of the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS Series opener in Dubai, with Risi Pouri-Lane set to lead the Black Ferns Sevens and Tone Ng Shiu taking charge of the All Blacks Sevens.

Pouri-Lane returns to rugby’s most rapid and dynamic format after a stint in 15s with the Black Ferns, starting at scrum-half in the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat to Canada at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.

The playmaker has been a reliable vice-captain for years with the Black Ferns Sevens, but has been elevated to full-time skipper. Long-time captain Sarah Hirini announced earlier this month that she is expecting a baby in 2026, revealing the news on social media.

VIDEO

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NZ Sevens (@nzsevens)

Reigning HSBC SVNS Series Women’s Player of the Year, Jorja Miller, will serve the team as a vice-captain under Pouri-Lane’s leadership. Miller was among the standouts at the recent Women’s Rugby World Cup, nominated for 15s Player of the Year and Breakthrough Player of the Year.

The Black Ferns Sevens will face the United States of America, France and Fiji in Pool A at the Dubai Sevens. Australia headline the other pool that features Olympic silver medallists Canada, Great Britain and Japan.

Ng Shiu leads what’s expected to be a fairly new-look All Blacks Sevens side. Andrew Knewstubb and Xavier Tito-Harris have joined the Highlanders, Cody Vai’s signed with the Blues, and Tepaea Cook-Savage has inked a two-year deal with the Chiefs.

Former All Blacks Sevens captains Sione Molia and Dylan Collier will support Ng Shiu as leaders of this side, with New Zealand Sevens confirming the pair have been appointed vice-captaincy duties for the upcoming campaign.

New Zealand’s men’s side have been drawn in a tough pool for the season opener in Dubai on November 29-30. They will take on traditional rivals Australia, an emerging powerhouse in Spain, and giant-slayers Great Britain in Pool B.

Pool A is the ‘pool of champions’ in Dubai, with reigning SVNS Series winners South Africa included in that group. 2024/25 League Winners Argentina, Paris Olympics gold medallists France, and last season’s Dubai Cup winners Fiji round out that group.