SVNS 2026 is officially underway, with Dubai hosting the season’s grand launch. The 2026 HSBC SVNS season introduces a new structure with three levels of competition, giving national teams a clear path from regional qualifiers to the top-tier SVNS Series. Fans can expect thrilling rugby action, new host cities, and exciting opportunities for emerging nations.
The announcement revealed all dates, host cities, and competing nations across the expanded tournament system. Thirteen events will take place in twelve countries, covering every World Rugby region. Each stop will include both men’s and women’s teams, ensuring equal participation opportunities and fees.
World Championship to Span Hong Kong and Europe
The top 24 teams will compete in the SVNS World Championship across three key locations. The tournament begins in Hong Kong before moving to Valladolid and Bordeaux in Europe. These European cities join the SVNS calendar for the first time and will host the decisive closing rounds of the 2026 title race.
This expansion highlights World Rugby’s vision to bring the sport to new audiences while providing a competitive platform for elite teams worldwide. The championship promises intense matches, strategic gameplay, and opportunities for emerging stars to shine on a global stage.
Main SVNS Series Features Six Established Hosts
The core SVNS Series will continue across six well-known cities: Dubai, Cape Town, Singapore, Perth, Vancouver, and New York. Each venue will host a two-day event featuring eight men’s and eight women’s teams, delivering thrilling rugby action for fans around the world.
The 2026 series teams include:
Women: Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, USA
Men: Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain
The established host cities provide a perfect mix of tradition and global appeal, allowing fans in multiple continents to experience the excitement of high-level rugby. Each event will combine world-class matches with fan engagement activities, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere.
SVNS 2 and 3 Create Clear Pathways for Promotion
The second-tier competition, SVNS 2, will be held in Nairobi, Montevideo, and São Paulo. Four teams in each event are already confirmed, with two more spots determined by results from SVNS 3. This system ensures fair opportunities for teams to climb the ranks based on performance.
SVNS 2 Locations and Dates:
Nairobi: 14–15 February 2026
Montevideo: 21–22 March 2026
São Paulo: 28–29 March 2026
Women: China, Kenya, Spain, Brazil, plus two SVNS 3 qualifiers
Men: Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay, plus two SVNS 3 qualifiers
SVNS 3 acts as the entry point for emerging rugby nations. It will take place in Dubai on 17–18 January, featuring teams from regional competitions competing for promotion into SVNS 2. This tier allows newer rugby nations to showcase talent, gain experience, and aim for higher levels of competition.
SVNS 3 Teams:
Women: Argentina, Colombia, Czechia, Mexico, Poland, Samoa, South Africa, Thailand
Men: Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong China, Italy, Madagascar, Samoa, Tonga
The tiered system ensures that rugby development is inclusive, offering both established and emerging nations a fair path to compete internationally while growing the sport in new regions.
Dubai Season Launch Event
Dubai will officially open the 2026 season at The Sevens Stadium with matches on 29–30 November. World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson and Chief Executive Alan Gilpin presented the full schedule alongside team captains. Gilpin highlighted that the new structure provides nations with a clearer progression path and strengthens rugby’s presence ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Dubai launch will also feature a festival atmosphere with live music performances by artists such as Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul, Shaggy, and DJ EZ. Fans will experience a unique blend of sport and entertainment, making the event a celebration of rugby culture, music, and community.
Tickets for the Dubai season opener are available online, allowing fans to secure access to an unforgettable experience of world-class rugby combined with a festival atmosphere.
Looking Ahead to a Global Rugby Spectacle
The 2026 SVNS season promises an unprecedented level of competition across all tiers, combining established host cities with new international locations. This expanded structure ensures exciting matchups for fans and meaningful opportunities for national teams aiming to climb the ranks.
With the world’s top teams set to compete across multiple continents and emerging nations given a clear path to progression, SVNS 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling seasons in rugby history. Fans can expect intense games, passionate crowds, and memorable festival experiences at each host city.
Dubai’s opening event sets the tone for a season of growth, innovation, and global engagement. World Rugby’s approach demonstrates a commitment to expanding the sport, inspiring new players, and providing a clear competitive structure for teams of all levels.
The 2026 season will also emphasize inclusivity and equality, with equal participation for men’s and women’s teams at every event. This ensures that rugby continues to develop as a global sport, providing opportunities for all nations to compete and succeed.
By integrating festival entertainment with competitive rugby, SVNS 2026 creates a dynamic experience for fans and players alike. Each venue will offer a unique blend of high-quality matches, music, and fan engagement, making the events more than just sporting competitions—they will become cultural celebrations of rugby worldwide.
The tiered system also encourages emerging nations to invest in development programs, knowing that there is a clear pathway to compete at higher levels. This approach strengthens rugby’s international footprint, enhances competitiveness, and ensures that the sport continues to grow sustainably.
As the season unfolds, each SVNS event will contribute to a broader story of global rugby development, showcasing talent, national pride, and thrilling competition. Dubai’s opening sets a high standard for excitement and organization, promising fans an unforgettable introduction to the 2026 SVNS journey.
The combination of established host cities, new locations, and inclusive competition ensures that the 2026 SVNS season will be a landmark year for rugby. It highlights World Rugby’s strategic vision to grow the game globally while maintaining competitive integrity and fan engagement.
With teams from around the world participating, SVNS 2026 will not only crown champions but also inspire a new generation of players and fans. From emerging nations striving for promotion to elite teams battling for the World Championship, the season offers drama, skill, and passion at every stage.
The 2026 SVNS season is poised to be an extraordinary celebration of rugby, bringing together communities, athletes, and fans from every corner of the globe. Dubai’s opening weekend marks the start of a journey that promises unforgettable moments, cultural exchange, and a lasting impact on the international rugby landscape.
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