In the world of rugby sevens, the upcoming Ultimate Sevens season has captured everyone's attention, but let's not forget the incredible talent already showcasing their skills on the global stage. This weekend, we're diving into the exciting rugby action across various competitions, highlighting the stars of the SVNS Series who are making their mark.
Japan's Women's Sevens Finale
The Taiyo Seimei Women's Sevens in Japan is reaching its climax, with the final set to take place at the Daiwa House Premist Dome in Sapporo. Defending champions, the Nagato Blue Angels, are the favorites, boasting an impressive lineup including Aussie star Mackenzie Davis, who has been awarded the 2026 Taiyo Seimei Women's Sevens Most Valuable Player. The Blue Angels also feature other international talents like Amahlia Hala and Kahli Henwood from Australia, Ana Naimasi from Fiji, Chen Keyi from China, and Bianca Silva from Brazil. However, the competition is fierce, with teams like Mie Pearls, Nippon Sport Science University, and Nanairo Prism Fukuoka posing a significant challenge. The Pearls, in particular, have an impressive roster with players like Heidi Dennis from Australia, Ellie Boatman from GB Sevens, and Monique Coffey from Canada.
Kenya's National Sevens Circuit
Over in Kenya, the National Sevens Circuit is heating up, with surprise results at the Dala 7s shaking up the competition. Defending champions KCB, who won the first leg, suffered a setback, losing to Kenya Harlequins in the quarterfinals. This result saw KCB drop to second place, with Kabras Sugar taking the top spot. The upcoming third round at the Kabeberi 7s promises an intense battle between these two teams, with both aiming to secure their position at the top of the table.
New Zealand's National Provincial Championship
The Hilux NPC in New Zealand has kicked off with an exhilarating opening weekend, and key sevens players are continuing their impressive form. Sam Clarke, the flyhalf for Taranaki, has retained his position after a successful combination with former All Blacks Sevens star Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Their opponents, Waikato, will bring in Sevens alumni Oli Mathis off the bench, who scored a try in their previous match. In another North Island heavyweight contest, Auckland will face Wellington, with Che Clark and Payton Spencer starting for Auckland. The Steamers will also feature Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalist Joe Webber, while Northland will utilize veteran Brady Rush on the wing.
South Africa's Currie Cup
In South Africa, the Currie Cup is about to be disrupted by the arrival of the All Blacks for their Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour. The third week of the Currie Cup will see a top-of-the-table clash between the Lions and Griquas, with Griquas featuring sevens alumni Gurshwin Wehr on the wing. The Pumas will also utilize sevens talent, with Darren Adonis likely to feature after being named on the bench last week. The Sharks, aiming for their second win of the season, will welcome the Cavaliers, with current Blitzbok and Springbok U20 champion Luan Giliomee starting at fullback. He'll be joined by Olympic medalist Christie Grobbelaar on the wing, creating an impressive back three.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the blend of talent across different competitions. While Ultimate Sevens is on the horizon, these regional competitions showcase the depth and breadth of sevens talent worldwide. From Japan to Kenya, New Zealand, and South Africa, we're witnessing the stars of today and getting a glimpse of the future of rugby sevens. Personally, I think it's a testament to the growing popularity and competitiveness of the sport, and I can't wait to see how these players continue to shape the game.
