SVNS Valladolid draw sets up brutal World Championship pools

HSBC SVNS World Championship leaders South Africa have been drawn in a difficult pool ahead of next month’s event in Valladolid, set to reignite their rivalry with a confident Australian outfit at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla.

After winning four of six SVNS 1 tournaments, regular season champions the Blitzboks searched for a drought-breaking crown at the world-renowned Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, which they had never won before.

South Africa suffered a shock defeat to Spain on day one, before booking their spot in the quarters with a 38-0 demolition of Argentina. They overcame traditional foes New Zealand during their path to the decider, which they faced a red-hot Argentina set for the second time.

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The Men’s Cup Final wasn’t close in the end. Tristan Leyds received Player of the Final honours after playing a part in multiple tries, while Selvyn Davids was another standout after touching down for two crucial five-pointers.

Santino Zangara scored Argentina’s only try, as the side coached by SVNS Series great Santiago Gomez Cora lost 35-7. The Blitzboks have started their quest for World Championship glory on a winning note, but the focus now shifts to the northwest of Spain.

South Africa have been drawn in Pool A ahead of the tournament on May 29-31, with Australia the second-best side in that group according to the standings. The Australians went through pool play unbeaten in Hong Kong, but were defeated by Spain 19-5 in the quarters.

SVNS 2 qualifiers Kenya will look to build on their quarter-final appearance in Hong Kong, where they met the South Africans – losing a final-play thriller. Great Britain, who have beaten the likes of New Zealand and Fiji this season, rounds out the intriguing group.

Marcos Moneta and Luciano Gonzalez both shone once again for Los Pumas Sevens in Hong Kong, as the defending champions fell short of going back-to-back. Argentina will take on New Zealand in Pool B, as well as SVNS 2 sides Uruguay and Germany.

Tournament hosts Spain claimed their second-best finish of the 2025/26 campaign in Hong Kong, having made one Cup Final during the round robin. Spain have been pitted against fan favourites Fiji, Olympic champions France and SVNS 2 outfit the USA in Pool C.

Using the World Championship standings as a guide, Pool A is the toughest of the three groups. South Africa is the number one seed, while the other three teams have an average ranking of between seventh and eighth place.

If the season ended today, Australia and Kenya would both join South Africa in the first division next season. There would be three 2026/27 SVNS 1 teams out of Pool C in Spain, Fiji and France, while Argentina and New Zealand would also qualify.

HSBC SVNS World Championship Valladolid men’s pools

Pool A: South Africa, Australia, Kenya, Great Britain

Pool B: Argentina, New Zealand, Uruguay, Germany

Pool C: Spain, Fiji, France, USA