SVNS destinations confirmed as road to LA 2028 takes shape

The road to the 2028 LA Olympics has become clearer for the world’s top rugby sevens athletes, with World Rugby confirming the return of all host destinations ahead of the pivotal HSBC SVNS Series and SVNS World Championship. 

World Rugby has announced a familiar schedule ahead of the 2027 season, beginning with the traditional season opener at Dubai’s The Sevens Stadium. Cape Town, Singapore, Perth, Vancouver and New York will also welcome the top women’sand men’s sevens sides during the regular season. 

The Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will again be the first of three World Championship stops, before tournaments in Valladolid and Bordeaux. South Africa’s men’s side and Australia’s women’s team will look to defend their crowns from 2026. 

The 2026 season proved to be a big success, with a 21 per cent increase in fan attendance from the previous campaign. More than 530,000 fans attended the Series, and the fan favourite Hong Kong Sevens set a new single-day attendance record of 41,457. 

“The success of the past season, including record-breaking attendance in Hong Kong and continued growth across our digital and social platforms, demonstrates the increasing visibility and strength of rugby sevens around the world,” World Rugby Sevens World Series General Manager, Sam Pinder said 

“We are delighted to confirm the return of all our host destinations for the 2027 HSBC SVNS Series and World Championship events, building on the strong foundations established. With the race to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games beginning, the 2027 season will carry added significance as the world’s best teams compete for the opportunity to reach the pinnacle tournament. 

“We look forward to working with our hosts, partners and unions to build on the momentum of last season and deliver another outstanding HSBC SVNS Series for players, fans and the global rugby community.” 

SVNS continued to reach new audiences and fans around the world, with digital engagement up by 60 per cent year-on-year. It was also the second time HSBC SVNS has gone beyond one billion social media impressions throughout a single season. 

The game-breaking athletic abilities of SVNS Series stars is now making a genuine impact in the 15s Test arena, with about 50 players with sevens experience playing international rugby during the Nations Championship and World Rugby Nations Cup. 

“HSBC has supported rugby sevens for more than two decades, and the Series continues to play an important role in growing the game and reaching new audiences,” HSBC Global Head of Brand Partnerships, Andrea de Vincentiis commented. 

“Its ability to connect teams, fans and host cities around the world is one of its real strengths. With the 2026/27 calendar now confirmed, we’re excited to be there to continue supporting that progress.” 

The SVNS World Championship is a critical part of the Olympic qualifying process. It presents teams with a chance to secure their place at the LA Games, rather than going through other qualifying tournaments. 

More information can be found at svns.com, including ticket details. Information about the SVNS 2 and SVNS 3 competitions will be released in due course. 

HSBC SVNS Series 2027 

28-29 November – Dubai, The Sevens Stadium 

5-6 December – Cape Town, Cape Town Stadium 

30-31 January – Singapore, The Kallang 

6-7 February – Perth, HBF Park 

6-7 March – Vancouver, BC Place 

13-14 March – New York, Sports Illustrated Stadium 

HSBC SVNS World Championship 2027 

9-11 April – Hong Kong China, Kai Tak Sports Park 

21-23 May – Valladolid, Estadio Jose Zorilla 

28-30 May – Bordeaux, Stade Atlantique