Who can take home the WXV Global Series Challenger 2026 title?

This WXV Global Series Challenger 2026 heads into its final round this weekend – with Fiji and the Netherlands fighting for first place and a piece of silverware.

So, what permutations have we to consider? Let’s have a quick look at how the competition stands and what fans of each team can expect.

Fijiana v Oranje – A sprint for the title

Heading into the final weekend, only two teams have a chance of winning the title, and those are Fiji and the Netherlands. Fijiana are well settled in first place with 10 points after successfully claiming two bonus-point wins, while the Netherlands follow in second place with nine and Spain in third with seven points.

Fiji’s raw power and mesmerising handling skills were critical in helping them come out of a tight predicament against Spain and complete an astonishing comeback, and were more than enough to dismantle Hong Kong China’s forward-pack dominance.

But will it be enough to overcome a Dutch side that was simply perfect in their series opener? While the Netherlands did nail a 70-0 win over Samoa in week one, their performance in last Saturday’s game against Brazil could be the blueprint for Fiji to find a way to victory.

This is the kind of game fans will be eager to watch, especially when we get to see the likes of Alfreda Fisher, Adi Salote Nailolo and Varanisese Qoro go toe-to-toe against Linde van der Velden, Kika Mulling and Inger Jongerius.

However, if a draw happens and Spain manages to defeat Brazil with a bonus point, where does it leave us? As Fijiana beat Spain 38-32 in the opening round of the WXV Global Series Challenger, they would win the title on that result, with Las Leonas having to contend for second place.

Even if the Netherlands draw with Fiji and earn a four-try bonus point, the situation will remain unchanged. Fijiana would win on the tiebreaker, as they are ranked 13th in the world, two places above the Netherlands in 15th.

So, sit tight because we are in for a treat, as the title will be covered in white-and-black or orange confetti on Saturday.

What next for Las Leonas, Hong Kong China, Yaras and Samoa?

As already explained, Spain can finish in second place if the Netherlands are beaten or draw with Fiji, but can also end up in fifth if they lose to Brazil and if Hong Kong China manage to overcome Samoa.

This means Las Leonas can’t take their foot off the gas pedal, as finishing their campaign with their worst-ever result since joining WXV Global Series Challenger would be devastating.

Hong Kong China currently sits in fourth with six points, having claimed a remarkable last-minute win over the Yaras and looking their best version. A victory over Samoa would give them a chance to claim the bronze medal, depending on whether the Netherlands pick up any bonus point.

It would be their best run and a serious boost heading to 2027, two years ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.

Looking at Brazil, Guilherme Coghetto’s side fell short against Hong Kong China and the Netherlands, but indiscipline and nerves ultimately cost them the chance to secure historic results.

However, if they manage to stun Spain and pick up a win, then they can dream of third place, which will also depend on how Hong Kong China v Samoa goes. Nonetheless, if they concede a third defeat and Samoa picks up four points in their final match, the Yaras could drop to sixth, and last, place in the WXV Global Series Challenger.

Finally, Samoa. The Manusina’s highest possible finish is fifth place, but they can only achieve it by securing their first win of the campaign, having yet to earn a point in two matches.

If the above was not clear enough, here’s the cleaner version:

• The Fijiana only need a draw to win the series. Depending on results, their worst possible finish is still fourth.
• The Netherlands need to claim a win to claim the title.
• Spain can only go as high as second place with a win against Brazil and if the Netherlands lose to Fiji. However, a draw against Brazil and a Hong Kong China win would drop them off the podium.
• Hong Kong China can climb as high as second place, provided both Spain and the Netherlands lose their matches. They could also slip to fifth place if Brazil secure their first win over Spain and they lose to Samoa in their final match.
• As Yaras can still dream of a bronze-medal finish if they beat Spain and Samoa upset Hong Kong China. However, a third straight defeat, combined with a Samoa win, would condemn them to last place – Samoa can go as high as fifth or finish sixth.

Final considerations

Kika Mulling, with five tries, Valentina Pérez, with four, and Tanya Dhar, with three, are all running for top try scorer at WXV Global Series Challenger 2026.

Fiji’s Varanisese Qoro leads the points-scoring standings with 30 points [two tries and ten conversions], followed by Spain’s Amalia Argudo with 26 [two tries, five conversions and two penalties] and Kika Mulling with 25 [five tries].