BC Place is ready to host its milestone 10th anniversary edition of HSBC SVNS rugby as the world’s premier sevens tournament returns to Vancouver from February 21-23, 2025. The three-day festival promises high-stakes rugby action featuring the world’s top 12 men’s and women’s teams in what has become one of the circuit’s most distinctive stops.

Tight race at the top

The competition arrives at a crucial juncture in the 2024-25 SVNS series. In the men’s standings, an unprecedented three-way tie sees Fiji, Argentina, and Spain all locked at 48 points, setting up a fascinating battle for supremacy.

In the women’s competition, Olympic champions New Zealand lead with 56 points, though they face strong pressure from Australia, who trail by just two points after their triumph in Perth. The Black Ferns will welcome back Olympic gold medallist Stacey Waaka from injury, while Michaela Brake needs just three more tries to surpass Portia Woodman-Wickliffe’s all-time record of 256 tries – fittingly at the venue where Woodman-Wickliffe scored a hat-trick in last season’s final.

Can the Aussies do it again without Levi?

Australia faces the unique challenges of Vancouver as they attempt to defend their Perth title without World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year Maddison Levi. The tournament’s distinctive indoor setting and synthetic surface at BC Place has prompted special preparation, with the team conducting training sessions at Eastern Suburbs’ Woolahra Oval to acclimate to the artificial turf conditions.

The scoring void left by Levi, who had amassed an impressive 30 tries in 14 SVNS matches this season, will need to be filled as they open their Vancouver campaign against hosts Canada in what promises to be a challenging Pool A alongside Brazil and Spain. Eyes will be on 19-year-old Heidi Dennis to continue her breakthrough after her Player of the Final performance in Perth.

Will Argentina build on Perth success?

Los Pumas Sevens enter Vancouver with momentum after claiming gold in Perth, following their bronze medal performance in Dubai. More ominously for their opponents, they’re on an 18-game unbeaten run at BC Place and are seeking their fourth straight victory in Vancouver. “In Perth we had a good tournament but there’s also things to improve,” said Argentina captain Santiago Mare. “Since then, we have focused on continuing to improve in the game and making winning a consequence of doing things right.”

The hosts have their eyes on the prize

The Canadian women return to BC Place with high expectations after capturing Olympic silver in Paris and bronze in Vancouver last year. The squad will be bolstered by the return of Olympic medallists Alysha Corrigan, Charity Williams, Fancy Bermudez, and Krissy Scurfield, bringing their total of Olympic medallists to nine.

“We travel the world and we see the most amazing places, but there’s nothing like playing at home,” said three-time Olympian Williams, who returns for her first SVNS appearance since Paris and sits one try away from her 100th international score. After finishing fourth in Perth, captain Piper Logan is confident about their chances: “I think our expectation this weekend is to get on a podium. We’ve never been able to win Vancouver sevens, so we have our eyes set on that, and we have a team that’s able to do that.”

Surprise packages look to continue rise

Spain has been the revelation of the men’s series, making history with three consecutive semi-final appearances. Having reached their first-ever final in Dubai and securing bronze in Cape Town, they could become the fourth different winner in four rounds. “Obviously we all grew up playing rugby in Spain, so having the opportunity to beat big teams like New Zealand, Ireland, Great Britain, for us, it’s incredible,” said Spanish wing Jeremy Trevithick. “We’re honestly living in a dream right now.”

Uruguay has also shown they can compete with anyone in their first SVNS campaign since promotion. After stunning Fiji and New Zealand in Perth’s pool stage, they’ll have another chance to upset the odds when they face Fiji in Vancouver’s opening match.

Tournament format

The action begins Friday at 11:18 local time (GMT-8) with pool matches, continuing through Saturday’s knockout rounds before Sunday’s finals day. In a progressive move, the women’s final will serve as the tournament’s grand finale at 17:41 on Sunday.

Women

VANCOUVER, BC – February 19: Women’s team captains pose for a photo in advance of the 2025 HSBC SVNS Vancouver at Sunset Beach on February 19, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Alex Ho and Zach Franzen / World Rugby)

Pools

Pool A: Australia, Canada, Brazil, Spain
Pool B: New Zealand, China, Ireland, USA
Pool C: Fiji, France, Great Britain, Japan

Day One Schedule (Local time PST/GMT-8)

Morning session
14:00 – Japan vs Fiji (Pool C)
14:22 – France vs Great Britain (Pool C)
14:44 – USA vs China (Pool B)
15:06 – New Zealand vs Ireland (Pool B)
15:28 – Canada vs Brazil (Pool A)
15:50 – Australia vs Spain (Pool A)

Afternoon session
19:30 – Japan vs Great Britain (Pool C)
19:52 – France vs Fiji (Pool C)
20:14 – USA vs Ireland (Pool B)
20:36 – New Zealand vs China (Pool B)
20:58 – Canada vs Spain (Pool A)
21:20 – Australia vs Brazil (Pool A)

Men

VANCOUVER, BC – February 19: Men’s team captains pose for a photo in advance of the 2025 HSBC SVNS Vancouver at Sunset Beach on February 19, 2025 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Alex Ho and Zach Franzen / World Rugby)

Pools

Pool A: Argentina, France, Great Britain, Kenya
Pool B: Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa
Pool C: Fiji, Spain, Uruguay, USA

Day One Schedule (Local time PST/GMT-8)

Morning session
11:18 – Fiji vs Uruguay (Pool C)
11:40 – Spain vs USA (Pool C)
12:02 – South Africa vs New Zealand (Pool B)
12:24 – Australia vs Ireland (Pool B)
12:46 – France vs Great Britain (Pool A)
13:08 – Argentina vs Kenya (Pool A)
13:30 – Canada vs Trinidad & Tobago (FAST4)

Afternoon session
16:12 – Japan vs Trinidad & Tobago (FAST4)
16:45 – Fiji vs USA (Pool C)
17:07 – Spain vs Uruguay (Pool C)
17:29 – South Africa vs Ireland (Pool B)
17:51 – Australia vs New Zealand (Pool B)
18:13 – France vs Kenya (Pool A)
18:35 – Argentina vs Great Britain (Pool A)
18:57 – Canada vs Japan (FAST4)

Where to watch

Fans can watch the HSBC SVNS action wherever they are in the world, either via broadcaster partners or on http://www.RugbyPassTV. Following the blockbuster Olympic sevens competitions, an impressive roster of broadcast partners will bring the SVNS to a huge potential global audience.

A historic finals day at HBF Park saw Australia’s women defeat New Zealand while Argentina dominated the men’s final against the hosts. The tournament marked a milestone as the women’s final headlined the event for the first time, closing out the competition in front of a sell-out crowd.

Finals

PERTH, AUS – January 26: Australia edged New Zealand 28–26 in the women’s Cup Final at the 2025 HSBC SVNS Perth at HBF Park on January 26, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Alex Ho / World Rugby)

The women’s final delivered an instant classic as Australia secured their first home tournament victory since 2018 despite missing key players Maddison Levi and Faith Nathan through injury. Michaela Brake gave New Zealand an early lead before 19-year-old Heidi Dennis responded immediately. The lead changed hands throughout, with Tia Hinds putting Australia ahead only for Kelsey Teneti to level after Sarah Hirini’s break from the kickoff.

Charlotte Caslick’s 70-meter solo effort put Australia back in front before Brake’s second try leveled the scores at 21-all. Dennis’s second try, following a brilliant break and pass from Teagan Levi, proved decisive at 28-21. Though Risi Pouri-Lane crossed late in the corner, her missed conversion preserved Australia’s 28-26 victory and sparked jubilant celebrations.

PERTH, AUS – January 26: Argentina beat Australia 41–5 in the men’s Cup Final at the 2025 HSBC SVNS Perth at HBF Park on January 26, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Alex Ho / World Rugby)

Argentina’s men secured back-to-back Perth titles with a masterclass performance against an injury-depleted Australian side missing Henry Hutchison, Hayden Sargeant, and James Turner. Former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Marcos Moneta opened the scoring in the fourth minute, showcasing elite pace, before Luciano Gonzalez capitalized on a dropped kickoff. Santiago Alvarez extended the lead to 17-0 at halftime.

The onslaught continued as Gonzalez crossed again immediately after the break, demonstrating Argentina’s dominance. Matteo Graziano then took center stage with a second-half hat-trick as Los Pumas secured their first title of the 2025 series. Australia’s debutant Hadley Tonga provided the home crowd’s sole moment of joy with a consolation try in the 41-5 defeat.

Bronze finals

France claimed women’s bronze with a hard-fought 14-7 win over Canada. Florence Symonds gave Canada early momentum, breaking free for the opening try. France responded through Carla Neisen, who darted under the posts after sustained pressure early in the second half. Following a lengthy injury delay for Hada Traoré, France’s defence forced a crucial turnover near Canada’s line, allowing Alycia Chrystiaens to pounce for the winning score. The French held firm despite late Canadian pressure to secure their third bronze medal of the series.

The Spanish men secured their third consecutive medal with a dramatic 14-7 victory over South Africa. Eduardo Lopez broke the deadlock while South Africa was temporarily reduced to five players through yellow cards to Ronald Brown and Shilton van Wyk. The Blitzboks survived nearly two minutes with 5 players before Selvyn Davids levelled the scores in the second half. With extra time looming, Spain’s patient build-up paid off as Jaime Manteca burst through a gap created by Pol Pla and Jeremy Trevithick’s interplay, securing their second-ever win over the Blitzboks.

Semi-finals

The Australian women booked their finals spot with a controlled 24-17 victory over Canada. Early tries from Demi Hayes, Heidi Dennis, and rookie Kahli Henwood built a commanding 19-0 lead, with Henwood particularly impressive on her first tournament start. Canada mounted a spirited comeback through Asia Hogan-Rochester, Carmen Izyk and Shoshanah Seumanutafa to close within two points. However, Henwood’s electrifying 70-meter break in the final minute set up Hayes for her second try to seal victory.

New Zealand dominated their women’s semifinal against France 36-7 in a masterclass performance. Michaela Brake continued her outstanding form with four first-half tries as the Black Ferns controlled possession and territory. Jorja Miller extended the lead after the break with a length-of-field effort before Dhys Faleafaga completed the rout. The French, who had looked strong throughout the tournament, could only manage a single consolation try.

PERTH, AUS – January 26: Australia defeated South Africa 17–12 in a men’s Cup Semifinal match at the 2025 HSBC SVNS Perth at HBF Park on January 26, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Zach Franzen / World Rugby)

The Australian men reached the final through a dramatic 17-12 extra-time victory over South Africa. James Turner opened the scoring before Selvyn Davids responded with a quickfire double to give the Blitzboks the lead. Sidney Harvey’s late try leveled the scores, but Maurice Longbottom couldn’t convert a penalty attempt for victory. In golden point, 19-year-old Aden Ekanayake proved the hero, breaking through after South Africa received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-down.

Argentina showcased their title credentials with a commanding 40-5 semifinal win over Spain. Marcos Moneta dominated the first half with a hat-trick of tries, demonstrating his exceptional pace and finishing ability. Luciano Gonzalez added two more tries while Tobias Wade and Santiago Alvarez controlled the tempo throughout. Spain, who had impressed throughout the tournament, could only manage a single response against the defending Perth champions.

Play-offs

Fiji claimed fifth in the men’s competition with a 17-5 victory over France through tries to Terio Veilawa, Sakiusa Siqila and Joji Nasova, continuing their strong form after a quarterfinal exit.

Japan produced the upset of the day in the women’s fifth-place playoff, as Minako Taniyama scored after the siren for a 29-22 win over USA. Suzuha Okamoto’s double helped overcome an early American lead built through Ariana Ramsey’s quick-fire double.

Great Britain dominated Uruguay 33-7 for seventh place in the men’s draw with Morgan Williams scoring twice, while Brazil edged China 21-19 through Thalia Costa’s hat-trick in a thrilling women’s seventh-place playoff.

New Zealand secured ninth in the men’s competition with a 19-12 win over Kenya after trailing at halftime, while Spain defeated Ireland 24-12 in the women’s eleventh place playoff through Juana Stella’s first-half double.

Next destination

The series moves to Vancouver on February 21-23. New Zealand leads the women’s standings with 56 points, ahead of Australia (54) and France (48). The men’s competition sees Argentina, Fiji and Spain locked together on 48 points.

Results

Women

Final: Australia 28-26 New Zealand
Bronze: France 14-7 Canada
5th Place: Japan 29-22 USA
7th Place: Brazil 21-19 China
9th Place: Fiji 26-17 Great Britain
11th Place: Spain 24-12 Ireland

Men

Final: Argentina 41-5 Australia
Bronze: Spain 14-7 South Africa
5th Place: Fiji 17-5 France
7th Place: Great Britain 33-7 Uruguay
9th Place: New Zealand 19-12 Kenya
11th Place: Ireland 19-17 USA

Day two at HBF Park featured dramatic pool deciders and thrilling knockout matches, with both Australian teams advancing to the semi-finals. The men’s side bounced back from day one disappointments to stun Olympic champions France 24-12 in the quarter-finals, while the women’s team continued their dominant form with Maddison Levi extending her try-scoring streak in commanding victories over France and Japan.

Women

PERTH, AUS – January 25: New Zealand blanked China 29–0 in a women’s Cup Quarterfinal match at the 2025 HSBC SVNS Perth at HBF Park on January 25, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Zach Franzen / World Rugby)

Pool A

New Zealand dominated with ruthless efficiency across all three matches, opening with a 46-0 demolition of Ireland before crushing Brazil 50-7. Their final pool match saw them dismantle Japan 53-5, amassing an incredible 149 points while conceding just 12. Michaela Brake marked her return with a try as the Olympic champions showcased their depth and skill.

Results
Ireland 5-26 Brazil
New Zealand 53-5 Japan

Pool B

A dramatic pool saw multiple lead changes, with USA emerging victorious over Canada 21-7 in their final match. Canada had earlier secured tight wins, while Great Britain found form late to overcome Fiji 27-14. The pool highlighted the increasing competitiveness in women’s sevens with several matches decided in the final minutes.

Results
Great Britain 27-14 Fiji
USA 7-21 Canada

Pool C

Australia saved their most impressive display for last with Maddison Levi’s hat-trick helping demolish France 40-5. Their earlier victories over China (31-7) and Spain (43-0) had set the tone, while China managed to secure their tournament highlight with a 14-0 win over Spain in a crucial clash.

Results
China 14-0 Spain
France 5-40 Australia

Quarter-finals

France overcame their earlier pool defeat to Australia with a tactical masterclass against USA, winning 19-7. Anne-Cecile Ciofani’s first-half double set the platform, with Alycia Chrystiaens’ late try sealing their semi-final spot despite strong USA resistance.

New Zealand demonstrated why they lead the series standings with a clinical 29-0 shutout of China. Kelsey Teneti crossed for a double as the Kiwis controlled possession throughout, with Michaela Brake marking her return with a try in the comprehensive victory.

Australia maintained their tournament momentum with a dominant 35-0 win over Japan. Maddison Levi continued her exceptional form with another double, while Charlotte Caslick scored her 183rd career try. Faith Nathan and Mackenzie Davis also crossed in a five-try performance that showcased the hosts’ attacking prowess.

Canada secured their semi-final berth with a controlled 27-5 victory over Brazil. Mahalia Robinson opened the scoring before Olivia Apps extended their lead to 17-5, with Carmen Izyk’s late try putting the result beyond doubt in a physical encounter.

Results
France 19-7 USA
New Zealand 29-0 China
Australia 35-0 Japan
Canada 27-5 Brazil

Men

PERTH, AUS – January 25: Australia over the United States 19–12 in a men’s Pool A match at the 2025 HSBC SVNS Perth at HBF Park on January 25, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Alex Ho / World Rugby)

Pool A

Argentina claimed the pool despite a thrilling 19-17 loss to South Africa in their final match, while Australia’s tournament hopes stayed alive through James Turner’s decisive late try against USA in a crucial 19-12 victory that ultimately secured their quarter-final qualification through the best third-placed spots.

Results
Australia 19-12 USA
South Africa 17-19 Argentina

Pool B

France demonstrated clinical efficiency throughout, defeating Spain 21-7 after earlier victories had secured their pool position. Great Britain ensured their quarter-final spot with a composed 17-0 victory over Ireland, with Freddie Roddick’s try setting the tone for their defensive shutout.

Results
Great Britain 17-0 Ireland
France 21-7 Spain

Pool C

The pool delivered major drama as Fiji bounced back from their day one upset with an emphatic 33-5 win over New Zealand that forced the All Blacks Sevens to a rare pool stage exit. Kenya surprised Uruguay 19-5 with Kevin Wekesa leading the charge, though Uruguay’s earlier performances ensured their quarter-final spot.

Results
Kenya 19-5 Uruguay
Fiji 33-5 New Zealand

Quarter-finals

Spain delivered their most complete performance of the series in dismantling Uruguay 38-0. Eduardo Lopez and Josep Serres each scored doubles, while Anton Legorburu’s try on the final whistle capped off a display that confirmed Spain’s status as title contenders.

Argentina demonstrated their championship qualities in overcoming Great Britain 27-14. After trailing at halftime, Los Pumas responded with three unanswered tries from Santino Zangara, Matías Osadczuk, and Santiago Mare to keep their title defense alive.

South Africa produced a defensive masterclass to shut out Dubai champions Fiji 19-0. Shilton van Wyk and Selvyn Davids gave the Blitzboks a 12-0 halftime lead before a penalty try sealed the result in a match that featured three yellow cards.

The hosts Australia saved their best for last, stunning Olympic champions France 24-12. After trailing 12-10 midway through the second half, replacements Ben Dowling and Maurice Longbottom crossed for crucial tries that sent the home crowd into celebration and set up a semi-final showdown with South Africa.

Results
Spain 38-0 Uruguay
Argentina 27-14 Great Britain
South Africa 19-0 Fiji
Australia 24-12 France

Semi-final Line-up

Men’s semi-finals (local time GMT+8):

Spain v Argentina (15:05)
South Africa v Australia (15:27)

Women’s semi-finals (local time GMT+8):

France v New Zealand (15:49)
Australia v Canada (16:11)
Finals: Men’s (19:35), Women’s (20:11)

The finals day action kicks off at 13:30 local time (GMT+8) on Sunday with the semi-finals at 15:05 and the men’s and women’s finals at 19:35 and 20:11 respectively.