Cape Town has successfully secured its position as one of the eight cities to host the HSBC SVNS, World Rugby’s rebranded sevens series. The series is set to launch in December 2023 and will provide a global platform for 12 men’s and women’s teams to showcase their rugby sevens skills. The revamped series aims to fuel rugby’s growth and allure by transforming the events into ultimate festivals, complete with immersive experiences for fans.
Taking place across eight emblematic cities, the HSBC SVNS series aligns all locations for the first time. With its brand identity reflecting summer vibes, the series targets a younger, leisure-seeking audience. The annual sevens series blends sport, entertainment, and culture against breathtaking backdrops.
Throughout the series, Cape Town will remain a steadfast host, having drawn a staggering 620,000 supporters to its previous six tournaments. This impressive turnout has made the Mother City one of South Africa’s best-attended live events.
In response to feedback from players, fans, broadcasters, and unions, the competition format has undergone a revamp to enhance excitement and suspense. The top eight teams, determined by cumulative series points after the penultimate tournament in Singapore, will secure their spots in the winner-takes-all Grand Final in Madrid. Both men’s and women’s champions will be crowned at this final event.
With a commitment to gender parity, HSBC SVNS will feature combined men’s and women’s sevens competitions across all seven rounds and the grand final. World Rugby has raised its investment in participation fees by 70%, signifying dedication to sustainable growth.
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin expressed enthusiasm for the revamped sevens campaign and its potential to broaden the sport’s appeal. As a vital component of the organization’s growth strategy, SVNS targets a younger audience hungry for leisure experiences. Gilpin envisions SVNS as a weekend-long gathering for young people, offering a blend of rugby, music, food, and experiences in a festival atmosphere.
For the first time in rugby sevens history, all locations will be centrally run, enhancing the overall experience and optimizing commercial revenue for reinvestment. This approach will also ensure sevens remains a viable career path for talented players and Olympians.
Longstanding title partner HSBC reaffirms its support for rugby sevens with a new four-year deal. Company CEO Noel Quinn takes pride in the opportunities created through their partnership with World Rugby, such as expanding sevens into new markets and promoting the growth of women’s rugby. He is delighted that their successful partnership will continue, enabling the sport to soar to even greater heights.
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