The World Rugby Sevens competition’s format will change starting in the upcoming season in an effort to capitalize on the success of Paris 2024.
In 2025–2026, the SVNS World Series for men and women will expand to include additional divisions and events.
The number of events will be increased from 10 to 13 and there will be three divisions rather than two.
The three-division strategy is the most significant alteration that will occur in the upcoming campaign. First, there will be eight teams per gender instead of the original twelve, and each will compete in six high-impact events.
Six teams per gender compete against one another in three different events in division two.
The third and final event is a stand-alone challenger tournament with eight teams per gender, all of which will advance through regional tournaments.
The top four division two countries will join the eight top-flight teams for the season finale, which consists of three thrilling events, to decide the global champion.
2025/2026 Sevens Season Format
SVNS Division 1
16 teams in total – eight per gender
All advance to the World Championships
SVNS Division 2
12 teams in total – six per gender
Top eight teams – four per gender – advance to the World Championships
SVNS Division 3
16 teams in total – eight per gender
Standalone challenger event
Top four teams – two per gender – advance to Division Two for a chance to qualify for the World Championships
These divisions will be given at the World Championship 2025 competition in Los Angeles, which is scheduled for May 3–4.
clubs that place between ninth and twelfth in the Playoff Tournament’s final rankings will advance to tier two for the upcoming season, while all participating clubs will comprise the first league.
