Wolfpack, Blazeboks among the six teams to watch across SVNS 2 and SVNS 3

The upcoming HSBC SVNS Series now looms on the horizon – but is likely not going to be the only tournament fans of the shorter format should keep an eye on.

The 2025-2026 SVNS Series also saw the introduction of the tiered competitions of SVNS 2 and SVNS 3, with both yielding exciting results, and two teams in Spain Women and the United States men being promoted to the circuit.

However, while a schedule is still to be announced for both competitions, the next iterations are likely to see that competition for World Series only heat up more, with Olympic qualification also in the mix.

RugbyPass breaks six key sides in SVNS 2 and SVNS 3 that fans should keep an eye out for – and teams that have the potential to shake up the circuit in 2027.

South Africa – Women

One of only two teams in either the men’s or women’s that played all three tiers of competition last year, the growth shown by the Blazeboks in 2026 was nothing short of impressive.

Winning the SVNS 3 title in Dubai, podium finishes in Nairobi and Montevideo proved more than enough to see the side qualify for the SVNS Series.

While they ultimately finished last in the World Championship, victories over Brazil and Great Britain points to a side that is growing fast – and will likely be in a far better place coming into 2027.

Kenya – Men

While there are a lot of quality men’s sides in SVNS 3 teams like Hong Kong China, Samoa, Tonga and Canada, if there was a question about which team feels most likely to break through to the SVNS Series, it would be the Kenya men’s team.

The only side to podium finish in all SVNS 2 fixtures, Kenya backed it up in the World Championship, making the quarterfinals twice, including nearly defeating the Blitzboks 26-22, and loomed set to qualify for the circuit until United States’ barnstorming run in Bordeaux.

With the Kenyan Rugby Union targeting both their teams making the SVNS Series and boasting some of the best sevens competitions in Africa, Kenya will be heavy favourites for SVNS 2 next year – and will be even more dangerous come the World Championship.

Argentina – Women

The other team to play in all three tiers last year, Las Yaguaretés may have failed to join the men’s side in the SVNS Series, but 2026 was a colossal year of growth.

With Brazil having led the way for women’s rugby in South America, Argentina firmly challenged that in a high achieving year, making the SNVS 3 final and winning the SVNS 2 tournament with gold medal finishes in Nairobi and Montevideo.

When Las Yaguaretés got on a roll they were hard to stop, and with a better starting point in 2027, will be looking to take that next step towards the SVNS Series and Olympic qualification.

Great Britain – Men

While the 2025-2026 SVNS Series was ultimately a disappointing one for Great Britain, the benefit of this tiered system is that sides can bounce back, and during the World Championship, the men produced some of their best rugby seen all year.

Defeating South Africa and Kenya in the pool stages, the side made the quarterfinals and finished in eighth – their best finish since finishing in sixth in Cape Town after defeating Spain.

The side’s ceiling suggests the team has what it takes to excel at the top level – making them a team to watch when they take the field in SVNS 2.

Brazil – Women

If there is any team that grew into the year, it was Brazil, their home victory in the São Paulo SVNS seeing them squeeze over the line into World Championship qualification.

They put that chance to good use in the World Championship, and while they ultimately fell short against Spain women to qualify for the SVNS Series, their form at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens points to a side that has more in the tank.

While five members of the squad set to play in the upcoming Ultimate Sevens tournament, it is clear the Yaras is searching for regular form to improve the side at large, and with the likes of Thalia Costa in the side, should not be a side to take lightly.

Germany – Men

Lastly, the big improvers of SVNS 2, Germany’s form in the second tier perfectly mirrored the blossoming development of the XVs side who defeated Romania in February, suggesting rugby is on the rise in the European nation.

Winning the Nairobi SVNS and earning silver in Montevideo saw the Wolfpack qualify for the World Championship, and while they ultimately finished in eleventh, victories over eventual qualifiers the USA and strong contests against France and Great Britain points to a bright future.

With the side having never achieved Olympic qualification before, a strong showing in SVNS 2 would set them up for a perfect run in the World Championship, and open the door for a shot at history for German rugby.