Sevens shrinks in bid to grow game

World Rugby confirms a new three-division SVNS Series format that reduces the number of teams in the top tier from 12 to eight from next season.

The governing body said the competition model is “designed to deliver long-term financial sustainability and grow the global reach of rugby sevens in the lead-up to the LA 2028 Olympics.”

Key features of the new SVNS format:
Three-division regular season
Division 1 – Eight men’s and eight women’s teams compete in six events.
Division 2 – Six teams per gender compete in a second division across three events.
Division 3 – A standalone Challenger event with eight teams per gender, qualifying from regional competitions.
Season finale to determine world champions
Three SVNS World Championship Series events with the top 12 men’s and women’s teams (eight from Division 1, four from Division 2).

The eight teams competing in this weekend’s SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles will form the SVNS Division 1 teams for the 2025-26 season.

The teams that finish with final rankings of ninth to 12th from the LA Playoff Tournament will qualify for SVNS Division 2 in the 2025-26 season.

Teams that finish with final rankings of 13th to 16th will start the 2025-26 season through their respective sevens regional qualifier competitions.

“World Rugby is firmly committed to the success of rugby sevens on the road to the LA 2028 Olympic Games and is investing £10-million annually into the SVNS, a large proportion into team participation fees,” said World Rugby sevens general manager Sam Pinder.

OPINON: Make Sevens Great Again

“This evolved model provides greater certainty for unions with more events, increased competitiveness, greater pathway opportunities than ever before and most crucially, a financially sustainable event ecosystem which provides a clear pathway for the future for international rugby sevens.

“While change can be difficult, this is an evolution that ultimately secures the sustainable advancement of a sport that has proven to be a hit at the Olympic Games, showcasing some of the most gifted athletes on the planet. We are grateful for all the engagement throughout an extensive stakeholder consultation process and now look ahead to an exciting future for the short format of the sport.”

Photo: Patrick T Fallon/AFP via Getty Images