SVNS Watch: All Blacks Sevens stars in action as NPC ramps up

The action is starting to ramp up against as the international rugby season prepares to get back underway next week, with plenty of sevens stars right in the mix of several critical fixtures in both Africa and Oceania.

With the WXV Global Series and the Ultimate Sevens set to take centre stage throughout September and October, several key stars are worth paying attention to over the coming weeks, especially with domestic competitions like Super Rugby AUS and international ones like the Nations Championship now on the horizon.

RugbyPass gives a low down on the action this weekend in the world of sevens, and key players set to make a splash.

Kenya National Sevens Circuit

The National Sevens Circuit heads into its final fortnight of action in Kenya, with the Embu 7s set to be a critical round of action in the race for who tops the table.

Even more of note is that several of Kenya’s best SVNS players will no longer be taking part in tournament, a significant contingent heading to Europe to take part in the Ultimate Sevens.

However, with that comes an opportunity for many emerging stars to fill the gap in the league.

With the 2026 FISU World Championship Rugby Sevens also in action down in Stellenbosch in South Africa this weekend too, there is no shortage of action on the sevens front this weekend in Africa.

National Provincial Championship

The Hilux NPC has crossed the halfway point of the regular season in New Zealand, with a fascinating run of games home and plenty still to play for.

Sam Clarke and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens have held onto their positions of flyhalf and fullback respectively for Taranaki, the side bouncing back well with a victory over Canterbury last week.

They will face off against the likes of fellow sevens star Payton Spencer and Che Clark for Auckland, the former starting on the wing and the latter providing impact from the bench.

Darby Lancaster will also retain his starting spot for the Magpies after their win over Southland last week, hosting Otago this week in Napier.

Current sevens star Regan Ware is set to start on the right wing for Bay of Plenty against Manawatu while Kyren Taumoefolau will retain his position on the wing for Tasman as they host the Wellington Lions in Blenheim.

Oli Matis will move into the starting side for Waikato this weekend, the Hamilton-based side taking on Canterbury, who will include Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalist Andrew Knewstubb at flyhalf.

However, the largest sevens contingent is set to be unleashed in Pukekohe, with five incumbent sevens stars set to feature in the clash between Counties Manukau and Southland.

The hosts will be utilise two stars, with Sione Molia set to start on the left win and Joey Taumateine utilised off the bench as Counties look to claim their second win of the season.

Southland, however, find themselves in a similar situation on the table, and will unleash Fletcher Morgan on the left wing, Scott Gregory at inside centre and the imposing Michael Manson at fullback.

First Nations & Pasifika XV 

Over in Oceania, a trio of sevens stars is set to line up for the First Nations & Pasifika XV as they take on the Tonga President’s XV at Teufaiva Sport Stadium in Nuku’alofa.

The First Nations & Pasifika side has had no shortage of sevens alumni to have come through its ranks, and that has continued in this week’s clash with current sevens players Gage Phillips and Jarrah McLeod being named in the starting side on the wing and inside centre, respectively.

They will be joined by sevens alumni Triston Reilly who will captain the side, with brothers Chace and BJ Oates, themselves related to sevens star Kye Oates, also named to start at flyhalf and fullback, respectively.

They are set to face a formidable Tongan home side stuffed with local talent, and within that side, likely several players who have had experience going up against the likes of established Tongan stars.

Currie Cup

Lastly, the final fortnight of action in the Currie Cup is ahead, with Griquas, the Lions, the Cheetahs and Pumas making up the top four sides set to compete in the semifinals in Kimberley and Bloemfontein, respectively.

2012 Blitzbok alumni Clayton Blommetjies featured in last week’s match against the Pumas, and is likely set to feature again when they face off against the same foe this weekend at Free State Stadium.

The Pumas will be without sevens star Darren Adonis in Bloemfontein, after the winger copped two yellow cards in his side’s 52-26 win over the Cheetahs in Mbombela in the final round of action.

In Kimberley, Griquas will look to go back-to-back with a win in their semi final over the Lions, and are likely to again utilise sevens alumni Gurshwin Wehr on the wing and Sako Marata off the bench, the former having scored the final try last week in their 48-17 win over Boland Cavaliers.