Following the resounding success of rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where more than half a million spectators enjoyed the dynamism of the sport, the focus is now on the SVNS World Rugby Series 2024-25, which kicks off this weekend in Dubai with new venues, exciting teams and a revamped format, the season promises to be one of the most vibrant in the competition’s history.
This year, the league champions will be determined in Singapore, the penultimate stop on the circuit. However, the grand finale will be the World Championship in Los Angeles, an event that is already generating expectations as it will also be the venue for rugby sevens at the 2028 Olympic Games. Among the highlights, Hong Kong will open its brand new Kai Tak Sports Park stadium as part of the series and, for the first time, the women’s SVNS will have an all-female refereeing panel.
SVNS RUGBY SERIES TEAMS
Men: Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.
Women: Australia, Brazil, Canada, People’s Republic of China, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, USA.
WHO WILL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
In the men’s category, France and Argentina will be one of the most eagerly awaited duels. The French, reigning champions of the Series, will have to defend their title without Antoine Dupont, who has returned to the 15-a-side discipline. The Argentinians, meanwhile, will be looking for revenge after their defeats in the quarter-finals of Paris 2024 and the last SVNS Grand Final.
On the women’s side, New Zealand will be looking for revenge against Australia, who defeated them in the final of the last series, but also celebrated the Olympic medal in Paris. Meanwhile, the USA, boosted by their recent Olympic bronze medal, will have the added incentive of competing at home during the World Cup. Kenya and Uruguay once again join the men’s circuit, while China will make their debut as the central team in the women’s category.
HOST CITIES FOR THE COMPETITION
The SVNS 2024-25 tour will take in seven exciting destinations. The action kicks off in Dubai, a rugby sevens classic, and moves to Cape Town, where the party atmosphere is guaranteed. The tournament will then travel to Perth, before crossing the Atlantic to Vancouver, a traditional stop on the circuit.
The series will also make history in Hong Kong, which will host a sporting event for the first time at the newly built Kai Tak Sports Park. In Singapore, the league champions will be crowned, and the grand finale will take place in Los Angeles, where the World Championship will be decided, marking the end of an exciting season.
WHERE TO WATCH THE SVNS 2024-25 SERIES
Rugby sevens fans will be able to follow every match live through World Rugby’s official broadcast partners. Platforms such as Rugby Pass will be available in several territories, while Peacock and NBC will cover the action in the USA, and Sky will cover the action in New Zealand.
With an action-packed schedule, rivalry stories and spectacular venues, the SVNS World Rugby Series 2024-25 promises to capture the attention of sports fans around the world.
