World Championship: Six players to watch at SVNS Valladolid

The final fortnight of the HSBC SVNS World Championship is upon us, but that doesn’t mean that it will be just the big stars standing up and delivering in key moments.

Throughout the 2025-26 series, the influx of new talent has proven to be one of the competition’s biggest joys, from established stars in the 15s game like Australia’s Maya Stewart, to breakout stars like New Zealand’s Jaymie Kolose hitting the ground running.

RugbyPass breaks down six stars who we think are flying under the radar heading into the final fortnight of action, and who we think will surprise fans the most this weekend at the Valladolid SVNS.

Our qualifiers are that these players must have played at least one SVNS tournament this year, and they currently have no points in the RugbyPass SVNS MVP.

Bradley Tocker (New Zealand)

Starting in the New Zealand men’s side, Bradley Tocker’s return over the last two tournaments has been a welcome one.

Playing in Cape Town before returning for New York and Hong Kong China, Tocker has been looking for work, completing 20 tackles in the Fragrant Harbour, (second highest of the competition), and topping lineouts won across the weekend with seven.

His work rate is going to be needed in Spain, with New Zealand needing to make a final to put themselves back in the picture to win the Championship.

Patience Mokone (South Africa)

South Africa has an exciting contingent of players coming through the ranks of their rapidly developing women’s 7s and 15s programs, and Patience Mokone is one who has dominated the domestic landscape in South Africa.

Known for her breakneck pace and colourful hairstyles, Mokone won the Bulls Daisies Back of the Year Award, transitioning her form into SVNS 2 where she scored four tries and cracked over 200 metres made across the tournament.

Coming in as an injury cover for the Blazeboks, Valladolid marks her debut on the World Series circuit – and expect it to be a busy one as the side looks to bounce back from a disappointing start in Hong Kong China.

Matteo Graziano (Argentina) 

The Pumas Men’s 7s roared back into life in Hong Kong China, leaping over the likes of Fiji and Spain to get to the final in Hong Kong China before eventually going down to South Africa 35-7.

Matteo Graziano played a major part in the side’s success, making 25 carries over the weekend (fourth-most in the tournament) and beating 11 defenders, causing all sorts of headaches for opposition defensive lines.

His work rate bodes well for the Argentines as they look to maintain the momentum built up in New York and Hong Kong China, sensing some unfinished business after being pipped at the post in last year’s championship in Los Angeles.

Demi Kennewell (Australia)

One of Australia’s most valuable stars makes her return this weekend, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the women in gold.

Kennewell has worked her way back from a long-term knee injury, returning to the circuit in March and showing glimpses of her best in Vancouver and New York, before being rested for the Hong Kong Sevens.

Her return will be a critical one as Australia looks to snap a losing streak against New Zealand in Valladolid, setting up a grandstand finish in Bordeaux next week.

Josep Serres (Spain)

Valladolid is going to be a weekend of significance, marking the first time the HSBC SVNS has arrived in the Spanish city. But it is going to be an even more valuable weekend for the host sides.

Both Spain Men’s and Women’s sides fired massive warning shots to the rest of the competition in Hong Kong China, with Josep Serres proving particularly effective, beating 11 defenders and completing 16 tackles, the equal seventh highest of the weekend.

A quiet achiever who has played in every tournament for the Spanish, with home pride on the line and a chance to push for a championship within their grasp, expect the hosts and Serres in particular to empty the tank.

Lilou Graciet (France) 

Finishing off the list is one of only three women who have played every tournament so far this year for the French Women’s side, and Lilou Graciet deserves a special mention for a good reason.

A 22-year-old who has been a regular at France’s highest level since 2022, she led France’s surge up the ladder to a bronze finish with her defence, making an astonishing 23 tackles, the most of anyone in either tournament.

Considering her work rate and promise for someone still early into her career, expect her name to continue to pop up beyond the next fortnight, having also been considered for the national 15s side as well.