The pool draw for the Cape Town SVNS 2025 was confirmed at the opening leg in Dubai, with the second leg of the HSBC SVNS Series taking place from 6-7 December.
Feature Photo – Alex Ho & Zach Franzen / World Rugby – Women’s and men’s team captains pose for a photo prior to the 2025 HSBC SVNS Cape Town at DHL Stadium on December 3, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Both the All Blacks Sevens and the Black Ferns Sevens were victorious in the opening round at the Emirates Dubai 7s, defeating Australia in both finals, while the Japan Sakura 7s recorded their best-ever finish of third after defeating Fiji in the Women’s section.
The 16 teams scored 254 tries in Dubai at an average of 6.5 tries per game, and SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer said, “The cut-throat nature of the new format means there is no place to hide and every match will count as the teams aim to stay in the hunt for the title.
The HSBC SVNS Cape Town has become synonymous with the ‘official start of summer’ and apart from red-hot rugby action, supporters can expect top-notch entertainment as well as an amazing offering of food, drinks and merchandise during the two days of the tournament. We can’t wait to welcome our fans to DHL Stadium this weekend.”
At the 2024 Cape Town SVNS, South Africa won the men’s trophy after defeating France, while New Zealand claimed the women’s competition.
Photo by Alex Ho / World Rugby)
Women’s Pools – Cape Town SVNS 2025
The Black Ferns Sevens will face Fiji, USA, and Great Britain in Pool A, while Pool B includes Australia, Japan, Canada and France.
The NZ women claimed their first Dubai win since 2019, and Katelyn Vahaakolo said: “We haven’t won Dubai in six years, so to be able to bring it home, especially after the rebuild we’ve been having as a group, obviously we don’t have the likes of Sarah [Hirini] and Michaela [Brake]. I’m just so proud, and I’m so privileged to be a black Fern today.
Of Cape Town, she added, “Our connection has been so good off the field, and it was cool to finally transfer into the final. [But] we need to keep being more consistent, keep working on our team connection, our combos, and just nailing the one percenters.”
Sakura 7s captain Sakurako Yazaki said, “I am very happy that we were able to achieve our highest ranking yet, finishing in the top three. I believe this result is thanks to all the players and staff who have built the history of Sakura Sevens up to now.
At the next tournament in Cape Town, we will continue to work as one team to take on the challenge and show everyone an exciting Sakura Sevens rugby performance. I hope you will continue to support the Sakura Sevens.”
Australia will be without Sariah Paki, Tia Hinds and Kaitlin Shave, who dropped out of the squad. Kahli Henwood, Kiiahla Duff and Bridget Clark will all join the starting outfit in Cape Town – all three played for Australia A at the Dubai 7s.
For Canada, Charity Williams has been ruled out of HSBC Cape Town SVNS due to injury, and Ivy Poetker is set to make her debut. Elsewhere, Asia Hogan-Rochester has committed to XVs rugby by signing to the PWR with Sale.
Pool A
- New Zealand
- Fiji
- USA
- Great Britain
Pool B
- Australia
- Japan
- Canada
- France
Men’s Pools – Cape Town SVNS 2025
NZ are in Pool A, with hosts South Africa, Fiji and Great Britain. Australia, fourth-place finishers France, Spain and Argentina, are in Pool B.
Pool A includes the three top try-scoring teams from all World Series tournaments played in South Africa to date. New Zealand have 598 tries, the flying Fijians with 589 tries and the Blitzboks have scored 526 tries.
All Blacks Sevens Jayden Keelan said: “Sevens is a game where anything can happen. If we put our best team out there, the boys that get put on that field will do the job and get the job done.”
NZ will be without Regan Ware, Rob Rush, and Sione Molia for the second leg after they picked up injuries. Scott Gregory and two potential debutants, Radley Tocker and Sam Clarke, have been called up.
Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman said after his team finished 5th in Dubai, “The format is really tough, make no mistake, and teams can even win two of three pool games and still not make it into the semi-finals, but that was not our excuse. We were just not good enough on the weekend.”
The Blitzboks Coach added that the work-ons include, “Ball retention, how to play against the physically bigger teams and how to use our chances will all be improved on when we run out in Cape Town.”
South Africa captain Impi Visser commented: “We are very happy to be back in Cape Town. As always, we have this one opportunity to play in front of family, friends and fans, and we want to make the most of it. Winning last year was such a great feeling, and we are determined to experience that again.”
Uncapped utility backline player Nabo Sokoyi was also included in the squad, replacing Mfundo Ndhlovu, who has signed with a URC franchise.
The Australians will be without Maurice Longbottom, and coach Liam Barry has brought Ben Dowling back into the side for Cape Town. Hadley Tonga also dropped out, meaning Beau Morrison was named to make his debut for the side in Cape Town.
Other new caps this weekend include Pedro De Haro (Argentina) and Diego Miranda (France).
Pool A
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Fiji
- Great Britain
Pool B
- Australia
- France
- Spain
- Argentina
You can follow all the fixtures and the schedule for Cape Town here.
Squad News
Japan Sakura 7s – Cape Town 2025
The Japan Sakura 7s initially selected the same squad to travel and compete in South Africa as the side which clinched bronze in Dubai.
However, late in the week, they announced that Chiaki Saegusa and Hanako Utsumi had to be replaced and both Wakana Akita (Japan Self-Defence Forces Physical Training School PTS ) and Ayane Hasebe ( Japan University of Economics Women’s Rugby Club AMATERUS) were called up*.
Names and number of tournaments:
- 2. Honoka Tsutsumi (37)
3. Marin Kajiki (32)
5. Mei Otani (33)
6. Kana Nagata (34)
7. Mayu Yoshino (23)
8. Wakana Akita (7)
9. Matsuda Himawari (7)
11. Yume Hirano (49)
13. Natsuzuki Ouchida (2)
14. Michiyo Suda (22) ◎
15. Sakura Mizutani (23)
16. Sakurako Yazaki (9)
18. Ayane Hasebe (1)
For the Fans – HSBC Cape Towns 7s 2025
The programme of entertainment in Cape Town includes Music performances across the weekend. Artists including: DJ Alicious vs DJ Chelsea-Sloan • Youngsta CPT • Ben Rodriguez • Majozi • aKing • Jimmy Nevis • Loufi • Keanan Eksteen • Die Heuwels Fantasties • Freddy L • PHFat • 2wobunnies • Belgium’s DJ Miro.
The Streetstylers Dance Crew, SA TikTok creator performances, the Red Bull Love Garden and stunt-bike demonstrations will also be on display.
How To Watch The HSBC Cape Towns 7s 2025?
Depending on your region, the main tournament will be available on RugbyPassTV. You can see where to watch in your region here. Parts of Asia can watch if you create an account on beinsports.
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