‘Plenty to play for’: SVNS 3 to take place alongside top tier at Dubai Sevens

HSBC SVNS 3 will take place during the Emirates Dubai Sevens weekend on November 27 to 28, marking the first time the third-tier competition takes place alongside the top division at the fan favourite event.

World Rugby has confirmed the location and dates for the important pathway tournament, which will feature six international women’s and men’s teams. Teams can book their place at SVNS 3 through regional competitions, with most of those spots already filled.

Hong Kong China, Canada, Italy, Chile, Zimbabwe and Samoa have punched their ticket to Dubai in the men’s competition. China, Mexico, Poland, Colombia and Samoa are some of the women’s teams, with another spot still up for grabs.

The top two teams from the women’s and men’s HSBC SVNS 3 will secure promotion to SVNS 2, which then presents a pathway to the HSBC SVNS World Championship. SVNS 2 will take place across tournaments in Nairobi, Sao Paulo and Montevideo early next year.

“The return of HSBC SVNS 3 to Dubai is another important moment for the development of international rugby sevens and our ambition to create meaningful opportunities for more nations to compete on the global stage,” World Rugby Sevens World Series General Manager Sam Pinder said.

“Bringing HSBC SVNS 3 together with HSBC SVNS provides a fantastic platform to showcase the depth of talent across the game, from teams looking to take the next step to the world’s best competing at the highest level.

“With promotion to HSBC SVNS 2 at stake, there is plenty to play for, and we’re looking forward to an exciting weekend of rugby sevens in Dubai.”

SVNS 3 will be held alongside the first division, which consists of the top eight women’s and men’s teams in the world. New Zealand are the defending champions, with the Black Ferns Sevens and Al Blacks Sevens taking out tiles one year ago.

Dubai is the first stop once again on the world’s premier sevens circuit, which then heads to Cape Town before the New Year. Singapore, Perth, Vancouver and New York will host the other regular season tournaments, before a familiar SVNS World Championship.

Hong Kong China, Valladolid and Bordeaux will again be World Championship destinations, with 12 women’s and men’s teams to compete for the circuit’s top prize. It’s possible for SVNS 3 teams to qualify for the World Championship.