The pools for the first event of the HSBC SVNS 2025 World Series have been unveiled ahead of the Dubai 7s tournament, scheduled for November 30 to December 1, 2024, at The Sevens Stadium.
Kenya 7s, returning to the World SVNS Series, will compete in Pool A alongside France, the team that clinched victory at the final Series event in Madrid and took gold at the Paris Olympics.
Kenya 7s in Dubai 7s
The pool also features a thrilling African derby as Shujaa faces off with South Africa who have been dominant in Dubai. Completing Pool A is Australia, reigniting their rivalry with Kenya after their Olympic clash.
Kenya 7s Nygel Amaitsa in action at the Paris Olympics Rugby 7s games. PHOTO/World Rugby
In Pool B, Argentina, the 2024 World SVNS Series League phase champions, will face Ireland, Great Britain, and Uruguay, who were promoted to the Series alongside Shujaa.
Pool C includes a fierce line-up with Fiji, New Zealand, USA, and Spain battling it out.
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For the women’s division, Pool A features Australia, Ireland, Fiji, and China, while Pool B includes France, USA, Great Britain, and Spain. The final women’s pool brings together New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and Brazil.
SVNS 2025 World Series Destinations Confirmed
In August, World Rugby confirmed the initial five destinations and dates for the HSBC SVNS 2025 Series. Kicking off in Dubai on November 30 – December 1, 2024, the 24 teams will then head to the DHL Stadium in Cape Town for the second round on December 7-8, 2024.
Following the success of the inaugural SVNS event in Perth, Australia’s HBF Park will once again host the third round from January 24-26, 2025. Vancouver’s BC Place will host the fourth round on February 21-23, 2025, renowned for its lively atmosphere. The iconic Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is set to host the fifth round from March 28-30, 2025.
Kenya 7s player Brian Tanga tries to hit gap. PHOTO/Mike Lee for World Rugby
The remaining event details, including the Grand Final, are yet to be announced but promise to build on the 2024 SVNS Series success, delivering a unique blend of rugby sevens, music, food, and entertainment.
Continuing its commitment to gender equality, the HSBC SVNS 2025 Series will feature combined men’s and women’s tournaments at every round, with equal participation fees for all teams, ensuring a prominent platform for women’s rugby on the global stage.
2024 Dubai 7s Pools
Men’s Pools
Pool A: France, South Africa, Australia, Kenya
Pool B: Argentina, Ireland, Great Britain, Uruguay
Pool C: Fiji, New Zealand, USA, Spain
Women’s Pools
Pool A: Australia, Ireland, Fiji, China
Pool B: France, USA, Great Britain, Spain
Pool C: New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Brazil
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