Standout stats from WXV Global Series Challenger 2026

Fans will have to wait two weeks to enjoy another round of the WXV Global Series, but this time without any sparks from the Challenger, as the competition’s curtain has already fallen.

Fiji took the title home, while the Netherlands and Spain rounded out the podium in an enticing, action-packed competition that put Hong Kong China in the spotlight.

But before we put a lid on the WXV Global Series Challenger box, let’s unravel some of the most standout stats of an unforgettable tournament.

Tries came from everywhere

After the dust had settled, 76 tries had been scored, averaging four per game, highlighting each team’s attacking prowess.

Having landed 18 finishes each, the Netherlands and Fiji finished in joint first place, followed by Spain, who managed 13, although Las Leonas played one game less.

Hong Kong China claimed 12 five-pointers, with their driving maul making a thundering impact by providing more than 80%, revealing one of the cornerstones of the local side.

Samoa, who had a slow start to the competition, managed to finish with some momentum, claiming eight tries in total, five scored in their last game against Hong Kong China.

As for the Yaras, while their defence was undoubtedly one of their strongest suits, they still managed to collect seven finishes, with Raquel Kochann potentially bagging one of the best of the entire competition.

Before we wrap up the topic of tries scored, we must mention the competition’s top try-scorers, starting with Kika Mulling and Tanya Dhar, who share the top spot with five tries each.

Spain’s Valentina Pérez clinched four finishes, and Fiji’s Atelaite Buna Ralivanawa comes in fourth place with three.

The [almost] Dutch bulletproof blockade

The title might not have gone to the Netherlands, but their defensive effort has to be mentioned, as Gareth Gilbert’s team only conceded 35 points in three games.

With Linde van der Velden, Inger Jongerius, Isa Prins and Gwen van der Schoot putting on a roaring tackling show for all to witness, the Dutch were simply ferocious in that area to the point they pushed Fiji into a corner.

Unfortunately for them, fatigue settled in at the worst possible time, allowing Fijiana to regain the lead with two minutes to the end of the competition’s ‘final’.

But for those who witnessed their valiant, spectacular effort from the opening kick-off, that ironclad defence will never be forgotten, serving as a platform for their bid to secure a spot at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.

Special mention goes to Brazil, who finished with the second-best defence in the competition, having conceded only 46 points.

Most fans expected the Brazilians to go down gently against the Netherlands, but truth be told, they were just a few metres away from what could’ve been one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, with their defence providing that chance.

Packed stands from day one!

An average of 2,500 fans flocked to the stands at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, with Hong Kong China’s games drawing the biggest crowds.

While the opening game of each round might’ve started slow, you could hear the roar coming from supporters from the middle of the first-game, proof of how passionate the Hong Kong China rugby community is.

The most sold-out games were Hong Kong China v Brazil [2,900], Hong Kong China v Fiji [2,700], and Fiji v Netherlands [2,900], in a stadium with a max occupancy of 5,000. In total, WXV Global Series Challenger sold more than 8000 tickets across its three rounds.

Having successfully hosted WXV Global Series Challenger 2026, Hong Kong China has raised the bar, with expectations already building for an even larger spectacle in years to come.

Six short – and long – lived comebacks

Fans can hardly complain about the twists and turns the WXV Global Series Challenger delivered, with around six of them playing out over the course of the competition.

Take the Spain v Fiji match, for instance: the Fijiana side initially took the lead but soon lost control of the game, thanks to an extraordinary performance by Valentina Pérez and Amalia Argudo. However, with 15 minutes left on the clock, the Pacific Islanders found their groove and staged a sensational comeback, turning a 32–19 deficit into a 38–32 victory.

Brazil and Hong Kong China produced another thriller, with the hosts mounting a remarkable comeback in the final five minutes as legends Lee Ka Shun and Fion Got pushed their team over the line [quite literally] to seal a dramatic victory.

The Yaras were also involved in the next dramatic comeback in their clash with the Netherlands. The South Americans were the first side to get ahead following a mouthwatering try from Raquel Kochhann, but the Dutch gave their all and mounted a brilliant comeback sealing a 17-15 win.

Unfortunately for the Oranje women, they found themselves on the wrong side of a dramatic comeback in their clash with Fiji.

Having trailed 12-0 early, the Netherlands fought back to take the lead with 20 minutes remaining, only for Fiji to draw level before snatching both the match and the title with just 60 seconds left on the clock.

In the end, four of eight games were dyed in comeback colour, proving there was plenty of mystery and drama in the WXV Global Series Challenger.