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Next Gen 7s calendar locked in for 2026
By Joe Harvey
Next Gen 7s has confirmed its calendar for 2026 as the next generation of Australian women’s sevens talent look to make their mark.
In recent years the competition has unearthed the likes of Maddison and Teagan Levi, Faith Nathan, Madison Ashby, Kaitlin Shave and Ruby Nicholas since its establishment in 2017.
The 2026 edition of the tournament will see four legs held in Ballina, Canberra and Sydney as the Queensland Reds look to defend their title across the four-week tournament.
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The Reds will compete with the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies for a chance to lift silverware on Saturday 12 April.
Lachlan Parkinson, Rugby Australia Head of Women’s Pathways, said: “The Next Gen 7s series was a fantastic success last season with an Australia A side selected going on to win the Dubai 7s Invitational in December.
“The opportunity to bring the tournament forward in 2026 as part of a wider women’s rugby strategy will provide players with greater development during the season.
“The tournament exposes future talent to a high-level competition alongside a mix of athletes who have competed at the highest level.
“The inclusion of the ACT Brumbies last year and players from affiliated states showed the growth of the programs in Australia and the strong pathways available for players and coaches to select future teams across both Sevens and XVs.”
Dates and kick-off times
Round 1 – Lennox Head
Sunday 15 February 2026
9:30am – Waratahs v Reds
11:00am – Reds v Brumbies
12:30pm – Brumbies v Waratahs
2:00pm – Waratahs v Reds
3:30pm – Reds v Brumbies
Round 2 – Sydney
Sunday 1 March 2026
9:30am – Waratahs v Brumbies
11:00am – Reds v Waratahs
12:30pm – Brumbies v Reds
2:00pm – Waratahs v Brumbies
3:30pm – Reds v Waratahs
Round 3 – Canberra
Sunday 22 March 2026
9:30am – Brumbies v Reds
11:00am – Waratahs v Brumbies
12:30pm – Reds v Waratahs
2:00pm – Brumbies v Reds
3:30pm – Waratahs v Brumbies
Round 4 (Finals) – Sydney
Saturday 12 April 2026
9:30am – 1st position table v 2nd position table
11:00am – 2nd position table v 3rd position table
12:30pm – 1st position table v 3rd position table
2:00pm – 2nd position finals table v 3rd position finals table
3:30pm – 1st position finals table v winner of 2 v 3
