The Ultimate Sevens tournament is set to kick off with an exciting draft, showcasing the best talent from around the globe. This inaugural season promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with 17 nations and 131 players participating in the men's and women's teams. The competition will take place across Spain, Wales, France, and England in September, with fixtures spanning four back-to-back weeks. Each team will feature a mix of marquee, elite, and academy players, creating a highly competitive environment.
One of the standout aspects of this draft is the diverse range of players selected. The Pacific Current team has secured the services of Fijian and Australian stars, including Maddison Levi and Reapi Ulunisau on the women's side, and Henry Hutchison and Terio Veilawa on the men's side. This team's selection showcases the strength of Pacific rugby talent.
The Sol Feroz team, representing Spain and Argentina, has also made impressive picks. Manu Monero and Luciano González join the men's squad, while Thalia Costa and Jimena Blanco-Hortiguena lead the women's team. Costa, a two-time Olympian, and Blanco-Hortiguena, a young playmaker, add depth and experience to the Spanish side.
Atlantic Novas, featuring players from the USA and Canada, has secured a formidable lineup. Lucas Lacamp and Stephen Tomasin, both Eagles and Olympians, will be joined by Krissy Scurfield, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist, and Faith Nathan, the 2026 SVNS Champion. This team's selection highlights the growing strength of North American rugby.
Albion Athletic has made some notable acquisitions, including Abbie Brown and Isabella Nasser, both of whom were part of the SVNS Dream Team of the Year. The addition of Tristan Leyds, Men's SVNS Player of the Year, and Charlton Kerr, Great Britain captain, further strengthens this team's credentials.
Clan Taran showcases a strong Southern Hemisphere influence. Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Roderick Solo from New Zealand, Heidi Dennis from Australia, and Shilton van Wyk from South Africa form a powerful lineup. This team's selection emphasizes the region's rugby prowess.
Foudre Bleue, the French team, boasts a full contingent of national players. Antoine Zeghdar, a Paris gold medalist, and Paulin Riva join the men's side, while Valentine Lothoz and Carla Neisen, both XVs converts, strengthen the women's team. This team's selection highlights the depth of French rugby talent.
As the draft concludes this week, all teams will finalize their squads, with nine elite players and one academy player joining the marquee players. The 2026 Ultimate Sevens tournament is set to be a thrilling showcase of global rugby talent, with each team bringing its unique strengths to the field.
