World Rugby has launched the new, revamped and rebranded rugby sevens global tournament, ‘SVNS’, replacing the World Rugby Sevens Series.

The new tournament will be on show across eight iconic cities as a ‘rugby event, festival and a must-attend experience set in some of the world’s most exciting locations.’

Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore and Madrid have been confirmed as the eight stops.

The new format will also see the men’s and women’s teams share the global stage at the same locations, with both sets of sevens athletes competing at all eight venues.

World Rugby’s statement adds that the rebrand is a ‘bold ambition to supercharge rugby’s global reach and appeal by being more relevant and accessible to younger, leisure-hungry audiences, HSBC SVNS aims to deliver the ultimate in immersive experiences, a unique festival of sport, entertainment and culture set against stunning backdrops.’

The new format also means that New Zealand, France, and England will not hosts events, with Spain as the latest addition.

There will also be a range of competitive and social sports for all at SVNS festivals, from non-contact rugby to functional fitness.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “We are excited to be launching HSBC SVNS, the supercharged new identity for our Olympic format, with iconic destinations and a new concept on and off the field, broadening the reach and appeal of the sport beyond its traditional audiences.”

The top eight placed teams based on cumulative series points at the conclusion of Singapore SVNS will secure their opportunity to compete in the new ‘winner takes all’ Grand Final in Madrid.

The men’s and women’s SVNS champions will be crowned in Madrid and will also play host to the relegation play-off competition, where teams ranked ninth to 12th will join the top four teams from the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. The top four placed teams of this play-off will secure their place on next year’s SVNS.

The number of teams for both the men’s and women’s teams have been reduced from 16 to 12, aligning with the Olympic competition model.

SVNS – Festival dates  

Dubai, UAE – 2-3 December, 2023 
Cape Town, South Africa – 9-10 December, 2023 
Perth, Australia – 26-28 January, 2024 
Vancouver, Canada – 23-25 February, 2024 
Los Angeles, USA – 2-3 March, 2024 
Hong Kong SAR, China – 5-7 April 2024
Singapore, Singapore – 3-5 May 2024 
Madrid, Spain – 31 May-2 June, 2024