17 teams from 14 nations converge on Stellenbosch for 2026 FISU Rugby Sevens

The 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens gets underway at Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, South Africa, from 4–6 September, with 17 teams representing 14 nations and nearly 200 athletes competing across the men’s and women’s draws.

Rugby sevens has featured on the FISU programme since 2004, serving as a development pathway that has fed into Olympic, Commonwealth Games, and HSBC SVNS Series success for several nations. This edition, timed to run alongside the ongoing All Blacks–Springboks Test series, is billed as one of the most competitive in the tournament’s history.

The women’s field of eight teams sees Japan arrive as defending champions after topping the 2024 edition held in Aix-en-Provence, France, where Canada finished second and Spain third. Japan will face a stern challenge from Canada, France, Australia, the USA, Ireland, and hosts South Africa.

On the men’s side, France — who claimed gold on home soil in 2024 with South Africa taking silver and Japan bronze — are absent from this year’s competition. That opens the door for hosts South Africa to enter as favourites, though Japan, Argentina, and Australia are all expected to push hard for the title. The full men’s draw also includes Chile, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Norway.

“The FISU World University Championship Rugby 7s is not merely a platform for competition,” said Jerry Laka, president of University Sport South Africa. “It is a golden opportunity for you to showcase your skills, learn valuable lessons from your peers, and create lasting bonds that transcend borders.”

Event General Manager Drikus Hancke added that organisers are focused on delivering both sporting excellence and a festival atmosphere. “We promise a world-class competition in a sporting festival atmosphere that is sure to build camaraderie and connections between players, officials and guests that will thrive long after the final whistle.”

The Danie Craven Stadium at Stellenbosch University provides a fitting backdrop, with the venue sitting at the heart of one of South Africa’s most storied rugby regions.