Pacific Current edge Atlantic Novas 12-6 to claim inaugural Ultimate Sevens title

Pacific Current lifted the inaugural Ultimate Sevens trophy at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday evening, defeating Atlantic Novas 12-6 in a tightly contested final that showcased the depth of the women’s international sevens game.

The Australian and Fiji-dominated side were heavy favourites heading into the decider, but Atlantic Novas — built around North American talent — pushed them hard throughout, making the first-ever Ultimate Sevens final a genuine contest rather than a coronation.

After the final whistle, Pacific Current captain Kahli Henwood paid tribute to the unique challenge of assembling a multicultural squad in a short window. “I’m really proud of the girls and what they put in,” she said. “It’s really hard to bring a group of girls together from so many cultures. English is a second language for most of them so we’ve had to adapt to them and they’ve had to adapt to us. So to come out there in the final and produce some really good performances and some plays with only three weeks under our belt is awesome.”

The evening at the Gtech Community Stadium — the former home of London Irish — featured all six franchise teams across two qualifying matches, two semi-finals, and the grand finale. Maddison Levi was among the standout performers for Pacific Current across the tournament.

In the first qualifier, Athletic Albion edged Sol Feroz 20-18 in a match that went to the wire. Australian Olympian Kaitlin Shave scored twice for Albion, including a decisive 70-metre try with under two minutes remaining. Sol Feroz, captained by GB sevens skipper Emma Uren, had the ball in hand with the clock dead but were unable to convert the two-point attempt that would have forced the game level.

The second qualifier saw French-styled Foudre Bleue account for Celtic-themed Clan Taran 20-7. Despite Clan Taran drawing first blood through Mackenzie Davis, errors proved costly as Foudre Bleue pulled clear, with Verenaisi Ditavutu’s individual effort through the middle of the defensive line a highlight of the match.

The Ultimate Sevens series represents a new franchise-based format for the women’s game, bringing together players from across the international sevens circuit under themed regional banners. The Gtech Community Stadium final leg served as the climax of the competition, with all six sides — Clan Taran, Athletic Albion, Atlantic Novas, Foudre Bleue, Sol Feroz, and Pacific Current — competing on Athletic Albion’s designated home ground.