2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens

rugbyasia247 Posted On September 1, 2026

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The 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens will take place at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, from 4-6 September 2026. In the previous edition held in Aix-en-Provence, France, in 2024, the Japanese women won, and the Men came third.

Updated Squad announcements & Pools

Jerry Laka, President – University Sport South Africa, said via the official tournament website, “The FISU World University Championship Rugby 7s is not merely a platform for competition; it is a golden opportunity for you to showcase your skills, learn valuable lessons from your peers, and create lasting bonds that transcend borders.”

There are 8 Women’s teams and 9 Men’s teams confirmed to compete, with both the Japanese Women and Men as the sole Asian representation.

Event General Manager, Drikus Hancke, said, “We are now fine-tuning plans that will celebrate rugby excellence, showcase cultural diversity, and create lasting memories. We promise a world-class competition in a sporting festival atmosphere that is sure to build camaraderie and connections between players, officials and guests that will thrive long after the final whistle.”

With the Greatest Rugby Rivalry tour between the Springboks and the All Blacks taking place the same month, a Fan Zone will be set up with a chill area, beer tent, music, food stalls and a big screen where ticket holders can watch the Springbok/All Blacks clash on Saturday, September 5.

2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens

2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens – Teams and Pools

The organisers said, “Close on 200 young men and women, making up 17 teams, will battle it out over three days in the Danie Craven Stadium: Women – South Africa, Japan, Canada, France, Australia, United States of America and Ireland; Men – South Africa, Chile, Mexico, Australia, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Uganda, Norway and Japan.”

All of the results will be posted here.

Women’s Teams & Pools

Pool A

South Africa
Japan
France
UAE

Pool B

Botswana
Canada
Australia
Ireland

2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens - Women's Teams and Pools

Men’s Teams & Pools

Pool A

South Africa
Chile
Norway

Pool B

Japan
Uganda
Mexico

Pool C

Australia
Zimbabwe
Argentina

2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens - men's Teams and Pools

Japan Women’s Squad

The JRFU announced their team entering a training camp to defend their title on August 26th. Former Japan 7s player Chikami Inoue is the Head Coach. Their final squad was confirmed for the men and women on 31st August.

Riko KATO
Umi KIKAWA
Ichika KUKI
Suzuha SAITO
Hinano SUGIMOTO
Mihiro TAKAHASHI
Karin TADANO
Yui TOGASHI
Kano HASHIMOTO
Kaoru FUJIWARA
Nodoka MIYAMOTO
Yuina YAMAMOTO

Japan Women's Squad - - 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens

Photo Credit – JRFU

Japan Men’s Squad

The JRFU announced the Men’s 7s training camp and the final squad the week of the tournament:

Kenshin Ikeda
Masaki KAI
Akito KAWAKUBO
Shunsuke KUROSAWA
Kohaku SAKAMOTO
Jayce Kairi TANAKA
Outa TSURU
Koshi HASEGAWA
Rikuto HAMAYA
Taichi BUNDO
Tatsushi YABU
Koki YOSHIDA

Japan men's Squad - 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens

Photo Credit – JRFU

Canada Women’s Squad

U SPORTS Canada said online that the 12 student-athletes are looking to “build on its silver-medal performance at the 2024 championship in Aix-en-Provence, France. The Canadian women have a strong history in the event, having won three world university titles since rugby sevens joined the FISU World University Championship program in 2004.”

The 2026 squad comes from 10 universities across Canada and the United States, including three from the University of Victoria.

Canada Women's Squad - 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens