New Zealand Claim Men’s and Women’s Titles as Emirates Dubai 7s Wraps Up Opening SVNS Leg

New Zealand completed a commanding sweep of both the men’s and women’s titles as the Emirates Dubai 7s concluded on Sunday, capping the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS Series 2025–26. The tournament drew large crowds over three days, with spectators also taking in headline music performances from DJs EZ and Fisher.

The finals delivered two high-intensity clashes between longstanding rivals New Zealand and Australia. In the men’s competition, New Zealand reached the decider after edging past defending champions Fiji 24-21 in a gripping semi-final. Australia progressed with a more straightforward 14-0 victory over France, setting the stage for a showdown between two of the sport’s most consistent performers.

The championship match lived up to expectations, with both sides exchanging tries in a fast-paced contest marked by tactical kicking, swift breaks and long spells of pressure. The match remained finely balanced until Jayden Keelan crossed for a decisive try, sealing a 26-22 win for New Zealand and giving them the first title of the weekend.

In the women’s tournament, New Zealand booked their place in the final after defeating Japan 31-5, while Australia powered past Fiji 31-10 in pursuit of a sixth straight Dubai crown. The final began with New Zealand taking immediate control, scoring three tries in the opening seven minutes, including two from standout performer Jorja Miller. Their 17-0 advantage at the break proved too much for Australia to overturn, with New Zealand completing a 29-14 victory to reclaim the trophy and avenge last year’s loss.

Trophies were presented to the winning captains by Tim Clark, president of Emirates airline, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, president of the UAE Rugby Federation. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, attended Saturday’s matches as crowds filled The Sevens Stadium.

Festival director Mathew Tait praised the level of competition and the strong turnout, noting that this year’s edition once again delivered “world-class rugby” and an electric atmosphere across sport, music and entertainment. He highlighted Fisher’s closing performance as a fitting finale to the weekend.

Local teams also enjoyed moments of celebration, with Dubai Hurricanes claiming the Gulf Men’s League Cup after defeating Bahrain RFC earlier in the day.

The 2025 invitational tournament featured 243 teams across multiple age groups, maintaining its status as the world’s largest amateur sevens competition and adding to the festival feel that has become a hallmark of the Emirates Dubai 7s.