The world of rugby is abuzz with the upcoming inaugural season of Ultimate Sevens, but the stars of the sport are already making their mark in various regional competitions. Here's a breakdown of some of the top sevens players to watch this weekend, with a focus on their impact and the broader implications of their performances.
Japan's Rising Talent
The 2026 Taiyo Seimei Women's Sevens is set to conclude with a bang in Sapporo. The Nagato Blue Angels, led by the formidable Mackenzie Davis, are the favorites to claim the title. Davis, an Aussie 7s star, has been a force to be reckoned with, and her presence on the field is a testament to the growing global talent in women's rugby. The Blue Angels' lineup is a dream team, featuring fellow Aussies Amahlia Hala and Kahli Henwood, as well as Fiji's Ana Naimasi, Chinese Olympian Chen Keyi, and Brazil's star Bianca Silva. This diverse group of athletes showcases the sport's global appeal and the increasing competitiveness of women's rugby.
However, the competition is far from over. The Mie Pearls, Nippon Sport Science University, and Nanairo Prism Fukuoka are among the top challengers. The Pearls, in particular, boast a stellar lineup, including Aussie Heidi Dennis, GB 7s star Ellie Boatman, and Canada's Monique Coffey, among others. The battle for the championship will be fierce, and the promotion and relegation tournament for the bottom four sides will add an extra layer of excitement to the final day in Sapporo.
Kenya's National Sevens Circuit
In Kenya, the National Sevens Circuit is heating up, with surprise results and rising stars. The defending champions, KCB, faced a setback in the second weekend at the Dala 7s, losing to the Kenya Harlequins 14-12 in the quarterfinals. This result saw KCB drop to second place on the overall table, with Kabras Sugar climbing to the top. The competition will resume this weekend for the third round at the Kabeberi 7s, with KCB and Kabras Sugar in the same pool, setting the stage for an intense battle for the top spot.
The rise of Kenyan sevens stars, such as George Ooro and Patrick Odongo, is a testament to the sport's growing popularity in the region. The National Sevens Circuit is a platform for these athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. The surprise results in the Dala 7s have added an element of unpredictability, making the competition even more exciting and competitive.
New Zealand's NPC and Sevens Connections
The National Provincial Championship (NPC) in New Zealand is a hotbed of talent, 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's performance, which included a try and kicking prowess, showcases the seamless transition between 15-a-side and 7s rugby. His partnership with former All Blacks Sevens star Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is a testament to the importance of experience and skill in both formats of the game.
The NPC is a weekly grind, and the competition is settling into a rhythm. The likes of Oli Mathis, Che Clark, Payton Spencer, Joe Webber, and Kyren Taumoefolau are all sevens alumni, and their presence adds a layer of depth and versatility to the tournament. The South Island derby, featuring the Ranfurly Shield clash, will be a showcase of talent, with Olympic and Commonwealth Games medalist Andrew Knewstubb moving to the bench and Jona Nareki starting for Otago.
South Africa's Currie Cup and Sevens Integration
In South Africa, the Currie Cup is about to get a significant shake-up with the arrival of the All Blacks for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour. The third week of action will feature a top-of-the-table clash between the Lions and Griquas, with the hosts showcasing sevens talent. Gurshwin Wehr, a sevens alumni, will be on the wing, while Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sako Marata will be injected off the bench. The Pumas and Blue Bulls will also utilize sevens players, with Darren Adonis likely to feature after being named on the bench in their previous win.
The Sharks, led by Olympic medalist Christie Grobbelaar, will look to claim their second win of the season. Luan Giliomee, a current Blitzbok and Springbok U20 champion, will start at fullback, supported by Grobbelaar on the wing. The integration of sevens players into the Currie Cup is a strategic move, adding depth and versatility to the competition and providing a platform for these athletes to showcase their skills in a different format of the game.
