The world of rugby sevens is a captivating arena, brimming with talent and excitement, and this weekend promises to be no exception. As the inaugural season of Ultimate Sevens approaches, the focus may be on the future, but the present is equally thrilling, with stars already shining in various regional competitions. From Japan to Kenya, and from New Zealand to South Africa, the sevens scene is heating up, and RugbyPass is here to guide you through the action and introduce you to some of the standout performers.
Japan's Sevens Spectacle
In the land of the rising sun, the 2026 Taiyo Seimei Women's Sevens is reaching its climax. The Nagato Blue Angels, led by the exceptional Mackenzie Davis, are the favorites to claim the title. Davis, an Aussie sevens star, has been complemented by fellow Australians Amahlia Hala and Kahli Henwood, as well as Fiji's Ana Naimasi, China's Chen Keyi, and Brazil's Bianca Silva. This formidable side will be hard to stop, but the competition is fierce, with Mie Pearls, Nippon Sport Science University, and Nanairo Prism Fukuoka among the biggest challengers. The Pearls, in particular, boast a stellar lineup, including Heidi Dennis, Ellie Boatman, and Monique Coffey, among others.
What makes this tournament particularly fascinating is the promotion and relegation system for the bottom four sides. This adds an extra layer of intrigue, ensuring that every match matters and that the final in Sapporo will be a spectacle to remember. The Japanese sevens season is coming to a close, but the excitement is far from over.
Kenya's Sevens Surge
In Kenya, the National Sevens Circuit is heating up, with several surprise results in the second weekend at the Dala 7s. The defending champions, KCB, faced a challenging weekend, losing to the Kenya Harlequins 14-12 in the quarterfinals, despite sustaining two red cards and finishing the match with five players. This result saw KCB drop to second place on the overall table, with Kabras Sugar climbing to the top. The competition will recommence this weekend for the third round at the Kabeberi 7s, with KCB and Kabras Sugar drawn in the same pool, setting the stage for an intense battle for the top spot.
One thing that immediately stands out is the abundance of Kenyan sevens talent, including George Ooro and Patrick Odongo. The Dala 7s has showcased the depth of the country's sevens scene, and the third round promises to be even more exciting. The competition is a testament to the growth of rugby sevens in Kenya and the passion of its players and fans.
New Zealand's Sevens Stars
In the land of the All Blacks, the National Provincial Championship (NPC) is settling into its weekly grind, with several key sevens players making their mark. Sam Clarke, for instance, has retained his position at flyhalf for Taranaki, following their 20-5 win over Counties Manukau. Clarke will once again combine forces with former All Blacks Sevens star Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, showcasing the seamless integration of sevens talent into the NPC.
Their opponents in Waikato will utilize Sevens alumni Oli Mathis off the bench, while Auckland will face Wellington in a North Island heavyweight contest. The Steamers will retain Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalist Joe Webber for their match against Northland, and Tongan sevens alumni Kyren Taumoefolau will start on the wing for Tasman as they look to go two-from-two against Hawke's Bay. The South Island derby, marking the first Ranfurly Shield clash of the year, will feature an abundance of sevens talent, with Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalist Andrew Knewstubb moving back to the bench.
What many people don't realize is the depth of sevens talent in New Zealand, with players seamlessly transitioning between the 15-a-side and sevens formats. This adaptability is a testament to the versatility and skill of New Zealand's rugby players.
South Africa's Sevens Shakeup
In South Africa, domestic rugby is about to be shaken up significantly with the arrival of the All Blacks for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour. The third week of action in the Currie Cup will see a top-of-the-table clash between the Lions and Griquas in Kimberley, with the hosts featuring sevens alumni Gurshwin Wehr on the wing and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sako Marata injected off the bench. The Pumas will also make use of sevens talent when they travel to Loftus Versfeld to take on the Blue Bulls, with utility Darren Adonis, who has been in and out of the sevens format since his 2022 debut, likely to feature after being named on the bench last week in their win over Boland Cavaliers.
The Sharks will look to claim their second win of the season when they welcome the Cavaliers, with current Blitzbok and Springbok U20 champion Luan Giliomee named to start at fullback. Giliomee will be well supported in the back three by Olympic medalist Christie Grobbelaar, who will start on the wing, completing an imposing lineup. The Currie Cup is set to be a thrilling spectacle, with sevens talent adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
A Global Sevens Spectacle
As the weekend unfolds, it becomes clear that rugby sevens is a global phenomenon, with stars shining in various regional competitions. From Japan's promotion and relegation system to Kenya's surprise results and New Zealand's seamless integration of sevens talent, the sport is captivating audiences worldwide. South Africa's Currie Cup, with its sevens alumni and Olympic medalists, adds to the excitement, showcasing the depth of talent and the passion of rugby fans everywhere.
If you take a step back and think about it, the sevens scene is a microcosm of the sport's global appeal. It is a fast-paced, dynamic, and exciting format that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. As the inaugural season of Ultimate Sevens approaches, the world is eagerly awaiting the spectacle that promises to be. But for now, the stars are already shining, and the action is heating up. The sevens world is a captivating arena, and this weekend is a perfect example of why rugby sevens is a sport to watch.
