PERTH, 07 February 2026 – The global rugby sevens circuit has descended on Western Australia this weekend for the Perth SVNS, with home favourites Australia and powerhouse New Zealand making early statements on day one of the competition. As the 2025-26 HSBC SVNS series heats up, the high-octane, seven-a-side format continues to draw massive crowds with its signature blend of speed and festival atmosphere.
Latest Updates: Perth SVNS Day One
Action at HBF Park kicked off today with significant results in the pool stages. The New Zealand women’s team, the Black Ferns Sevens, dominated Pool A, securing their top spot with a clinical 31-0 victory over the USA. Kelsey Teneti was the standout performer, crossing the line twice to set the tempo for the Kiwis.
The Australian teams have also enjoyed a strong start on home soil, remaining unbeaten through the early rounds. This follows a mixed start to the season where the Australian women claimed gold in Cape Town last December, while the men’s side has been looking to find consistency after a seventh-place finish in South Africa.
In other recent news, Scotland made history earlier this week by securing their first-ever World Rugby Sevens Series title in a dramatic London final against South Africa, proving that the gap between the traditional powerhouses and the rest of the field is narrowing.
Rugby Sevens: The Essentials
Rugby sevens is a fast-paced variant of rugby union. While played on a full-sized pitch, the reduced number of players creates significant space, leading to higher scoring and more frequent sprints than the traditional 15-man game.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Players per side | 7 players |
| Match Duration | 14 minutes (two 7-minute halves) |
| Half-time Break | Maximum 2 minutes |
| Pitch Size | Full-size rugby union pitch |
| Olympic Debut | Rio 2016 |
| Squad Size | 12 players |
Tournament History and Format
Since its inclusion in the Olympic programme in 2016, rugby sevens has seen a surge in global popularity. The standard tournament format involves 12 teams divided into three pools of four. Teams compete in a round-robin format within their pools before advancing to knockout stages based on their standings.
The HSBC SVNS series serves as the premier annual competition, travelling to iconic cities such as Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, and Singapore. Recent results from the 2025 leg in Singapore saw Fiji’s men and New Zealand’s women take home the titles, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between the Pacific nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a rugby sevens match?
A standard rugby sevens match lasts 14 minutes, consisting of two halves of seven minutes each. During major tournament finals, the duration can sometimes be extended, though the 14-minute format is the standard for the SVNS series and Olympic Games.
How many players are on a rugby sevens team?
Each team has seven players on the field at any one time. A full tournament squad typically consists of 12 players to allow for substitutions and injury cover over the course of a multi-day event.
Is rugby sevens an Olympic sport?
Yes, rugby sevens became an Olympic sport at the Rio 2016 Games. It has remained a core part of the Summer Olympics, featuring both men’s and women’s tournaments.
What are the main differences between Sevens and Rugby Union?
The primary differences are the number of players (7 vs 15) and the match duration (14 minutes vs 80 minutes). Because there are fewer players on the same size pitch, sevens is much faster and focuses more on individual athleticism and open-field running.