SVNS enters bold new era with host cities confirmed for all three tiers

HSBC SVNS action is coming to new destinations in South America and Africa in 2026, with World Rugby unveiling the host cities for the newly expanded second and third divisions – bringing fans closer to the action than ever before.

World Rugby announced its new three-tier SVNS model on May 2, which gives teams a genuine pathway to the top flight. Athletes can help their national team rise from regional competitions to SVNS 1 within one year.

There are more high-stakes games than ever before, with SVNS set to deliver 13 events across 12 countries in all six World Rugby regions this season. The first division gets underway this weekend in Dubai, before the circuit heads to Cape Town on December 6-7.

Singapore, Perth and Vancouver are other three regular season destinations, along with the addition of New York, which was confirmed last week. These events will feature the top eight sides in women’s and men’s sevens, setting the stage for the new-look World Championships.

South Africa were last season’s men’s champions, and they’ll be joined by Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Great Britain, New Zealand and Spain. New Zealand are looking to defend their women’s title against Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Japan and the USA.

These teams will all progress through to the World Championships, along with the four best women’s and men’s teams from SVNS 2. The Championship series begins at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, before a European double-header in Valladolid and Bordeaux.

World Rugby has revealed the SVNS 2 event destinations are Nairobi in Kenya on February 14-15, Montevideo in Uruguay on March 21-22, and Sao Paulo in Brazil on March 28-29.

Four women’s and four men’s teams have already qualified, with another two places to be determined in SVNS 3. China, Kenya, Spain and Brazil are the women’s teams, while Kenya, USA, Germany and Uruguay have booked their place in the men’s competition.

The third division consists of just one tournament, which will take place in Dubai on January 17-18, 2026. Everything will be on the line across this two-day event, as regional competition champions look to punch their ticket to SVNS 2.

Argentina, Colombia, Czechia, Mexico, Poland, Samoa, South Africa and Thailand are the women’s teams in SVNS 3. As for the men, Belgium are in a group that includes Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong China, Italy, Madagascar, Samoa and Tonga.

HSBC SVNS 2026 marks a bold new era for the sport.

“We’re entering an exciting new era for sevens as we kick off the journey to LA 2028,” World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said.

“With all fixtures locked in across all three levels of HSBC SVNS, it’s really all to play for. Fans will experience top-tier action in iconic new cities like New York, Valladolid, and Bordeaux, while the world’s best teams bring the sport to new heights.

“Sevens is ready to thrill fans like never before.”

Participating Teams — HSBC SVNS 2026

SVNS 1

Women:
Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, USA

Men:
Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain

SVNS 2

Women:
China, Kenya, Spain, Brazil, and the top two teams promoted from SVNS 3

Men:
Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay, and the top two teams promoted from SVNS 3

SVNS 3 — Qualified Teams

Women:
Argentina, Colombia, Czechia, Mexico, Poland, Samoa, South Africa, Thailand

Men:
Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong China, Italy, Madagascar, Samoa, Tonga