Congratulations to the Springbok Women’s Sevens who qualified for the SVNS World Championship by securing a top-four finish in SVNS 2!
Nadine Roos and her South African women sevens team are on the brink of a historic leap into the premier tier of global rugby.
To secure a spot among the elite top eight core teams in the main HSBC SVNS Series for 2027, the squad must navigate a high-stakes three-event finale.
This journey begins with the SVNS World Championship spanning April to June 2026.
The competition features twelve teams per gender, consisting of the eight current Division 1 core members and the top four qualifiers from Division 2.
“Nadine is a true powerhouse and an incredible individual who deserves every opportunity to lead this team into the big time, though we all know there is an immense amount of work ahead to get there.” – Jay
The battle for promotion and survival takes place across three iconic locations starting with Hong Kong from 17–19 April. Following the Asian leg, the teams move to Valladolid on 29–31 May before the final showdown in Bordeaux from 5–7 June.
Points accumulated across these three specific tournaments will determine the overall SVNS World Championship standings.
CORE PATHWAY REQUIREMENTS FOR 2027
* The top eight finishers in the combined standings automatically secure core status for the 2027 main HSBC SVNS Series.
* This elite status grants automatic entry to all main series events including Dubai and Cape Town.
* Teams finishing in the bottom four will be relegated to SVNS 2 for the next cycle to compete for future promotion.
South Africa earned their shot at this promotion by finishing in the top four of SVNS 2, setting up a winner-takes-all scenario. While the upcoming São Paulo leg may affect final seeding, the Springbok Women have already locked in their qualification post-Montevideo.
There are no separate playoffs beyond this finale, meaning every match in the Championship serves as a direct qualifier for the elite HSBC SVNS Division 1. As reported by World Rugby, this performance-based system ensures only the most consistent teams remain in the top flight.
The road to 2027 is clear, but the intensity of the World Championship will test the depth and resolve of the South African side.
Show your support for Captain Roos and the Bok Women—drop a green and gold heart 
below if you’re behind them all the way!
Photos via SA Rugby / Paul Harding / Getty Images
