Both Blitzboks and Black Ferns Claim HSBC SVNS New York Titles and HSBC SVNS Series Titles

The HSBC SVNS Series title wrapped up in New York, with the Blitzboks and Black Ferns winning the titles at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey, which also meant they both won the HSBC SVNS Series titles. Japan Sakura 7s finished 6th this weekend and 7th overall.

Photo Credit Zach Franzen / World Rugby – New Zealand women and South Africa men celebrate their 2026 Series victory at the 2026 HSBC SVNS New York at Sports Illustrated Stadium on March 15, 2026, in Harrison, New Jersey.

In front of a sparse crowd, South Africa’s men’s team beat Fiji in the final 10-7, and Selvyn Davids was the player of the final, while New Zealand’s women defeated close rivals Australia 22-21 after they had trailed 5-21, with Kelsey Teneti putting in a player of the final performance. It’s a third consecutive Series title win in a row for the Black Ferns Sevens.

Photo by Zach Franzen / World Rugby

The USA women clinched bronze at home, defeating Fiji 26-17 (which meant they finished 3rd overall in the Series), and the Argentina men claimed third after beating Australia 26-10.

South Africa captain Impi Visser, who was playing his 50th tournament, said, “It was a massive defensive effort and testament to all our hard work. We couldn’t have scripted it any better, and we’re just thankful we came up with the win.”

Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman added, “We are not done yet. We need to keep growing and improving. We will have a rest now but will come back as determined for the three tournaments of the World Championship.”

NZ player Teneti commented: “It was a full fight, and it didn’t take one person [to win it] – it took the whole team. Words can’t even describe the feeling, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of this amazing team.”

Photo by Zach Franzen / World Rugby

The SVNS next heads to Hong Kong for the HSBC SVNS Championship from 17-19 April, while the final two legs of the HSBC SVNS Division 2 take place in March to determine which 8 teams will advance to the Championship rounds.

All of the results from the NY SVNS 2026 can be seen here.

Sakura 7s – HSBC SVNS New York 2026

Japan Women’s 7s Head Coach Yuka Kanematsu said, “I am very happy and encouraged that so many players were able to experience the world’s top 8 stage, and that they have grown to the point where they can genuinely shed tears of frustration on that stage.

I am proud of all the players and staff who have not been afraid of change, believed in evolution, and continued to run down this difficult path.”

Japan 7-47 Australia 

A big win for the Australians as they racked up their 21st consecutive win over Japan. They cruised to a 21-0 halftime lead and more than doubled their score in the second period while Hana Nagata scored the sole try for the Sakura 7s.

Japan Try Scorer: Hana Nagata

Photo Credit – World Rugby / Alex Ho

Japan 0-47 USA

Japan conceded as many points as they did in their first game, but also failed to score. Its the third win on the bounce for the USA over Japan and nearly double the average they win by.

Japan 31-19 Canada 

They saved the best for last, defeating Canada 31-19 after they had led 14-7 at halftime thanks to tries by  Chiaki Saegusa and Hana Nagata in the opening period. They added three more tries to Hana Nagata, Mei Ohtani, and Michiyo Suda to claim the win.

Japan Try Scorers: Chiaki Saegusa (4′), Hana Nagata (7′, 11′), Mei Ohtani (8′), Michiyo Suda (14′)

5th Place SF – Japan 31-14 GB

As expected, Japan ran out winners against GB, and they scored 5 tries in doing so, with captain Michiyo Suda scoring twice. They had to turn the game around as they were behind 12-14 at the halftime break, and the win meant they would face France for 5th place

Japan Try Scorers: Mayu Yoshino (1′), Michiyo Suda (3′, 9′), Himawari Matsuda (11′), Ria Anoku (15′)

Photo Credit – World Rugby

5th place Final Japan 15-19 France

France were favourites, but it was the Sakura 7s who led 15-0 at halftime, with a brace of tries from Hazuki Ouchida. However, they had the reverse fortunes of their 5th place SF, and failed to score in the second half. France pipped them, scoring the winner two minutes after the full 14 minutes of play.

Japan Try Scorers: Hazuki Ouchida (4′, 6′), Chiaki Saegusa (8′)

Sevens Rugby News 2026

• 2026 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens – Fan’s Guide On What You Need To Know.
• Melrose Claymores Teams for Cathay / HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2026 Confirmed.
• Argentina Women and German men Win Nairobi Leg of HSBC SVNS Division 2 2026.
• Kyushu Women’s Sevens – Nanairo Cup Kitakyushu 2026 Teams Confirmed