Sevens Rugby Gets a Makeover: What South Africa Needs to Know
The world of sevens rugby is about to get even more exciting! The HSBC SVNS series is expanding, bringing a fresh, multi-tiered format to the game. This means more teams, more tournaments, and more opportunities for nations around the globe, including South Africa, to shine.
Forget the old format. The new HSBC SVNS will feature three divisions, boasting 13 tournaments and involving a whopping 48 teams. Division 1 will see eight men's and eight women's teams battling it out in six global events, including fan favourites like Dubai and Cape Town. Excitingly, New York has also been added to the map!
But the real shake-up is happening below the top tier. Twelve Division 2 and sixteen Division 3 nations will compete for promotion, creating a pathway for emerging rugby nations to rise through the ranks. A standalone Challenger event in January will determine who gets to climb into Division 2.
What does this mean for South Africa?
With Cape Town already a key stop on the Division 1 circuit, South African fans can look forward to even more world-class sevens action. The revamped format also creates opportunities for South African teams to compete at different levels, fostering growth and development within the sport.
Could we see a South African team challenging for the Division 2 title in the future? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the future of sevens rugby is bright, and South Africa is poised to play a key role in its evolution.
- More teams, more tournaments, more action!
- Cape Town remains a key stop on the global circuit.
- Opportunities for South African teams at all levels.
Keep an eye on newsrpt.com for all the latest updates on the HSBC SVNS series and the South African teams involved!