South Africa and New Zealand were crowned the men’s and women’s rugby sevens world champions, respectively, on Sunday, 4 May in Los Angeles, California.
South Africa returned to the top of the podium at World Rugby SVNS Series after early exits at the stops in Hong Kong, China and Singapore showing a valiant comeback.
The Proteas outperformed an energized Spanish side, who advanced to the cup match for only the second time this season. Mfundo Ndhlovu and Ricardo Duarttee clinched the match in South Africa’s favour at the World Rugby SVNS Championships 2025.
“We always back ourselves to go up against anyone, so it was basically just us following our processes and trusting each other,” Ndhlovu told reporters.
In the women’s competition, New Zealand produced a stellar display of rugby basics, coupled with spectacular superlatives from all parts of the pitch.
It was an all-team effort from the Black Ferns, with five different players scoring a try each against an overwhelmed Australian side in the cup final.
“We’ve had a good season, and we just wanted to come out and finish on a high,” asserted New Zealand back Mahina Paul.
The victory came against their usual opponent Australia – a rival they’ve faced in five separate finals this season.
“We always know that coming up against them is going to be tough,” added Paul, “But as long as we know our role, and what we have to do out on the field…it all came together and it just paid off in the end.”
The Black Ferns won the final by a decisive margin, notching a 31-7 victory against Australia at the World Rugby SVNS Championships 2025.
New Zealand’s men’s team took the third place playoff against Argentina 38-17, while Canada defeated a popular United States of America side 27-7 to take third in the women’s tournament.
Germany, Kenya, Uruguay and the United States advanced to division two of the 2025-26 World Rugby SVNS Tour saw on the men’s side, while Brazil, Kenya, Spain and the People’s Republic of China earned spots on the women’s side.
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World Rugby SVNS Series: Significance of the results
- New Zealand women and South Africa men win thrilling HSBC SVNS World Championship 2025 in Los Angeles
- Olympic champions New Zealand show class to beat Australia 31-7 in women’s final
- South Africa overcome Spain 19-5 in men’s final to take gold
- Canada beat hosts USA 27-7 for women’s bronze, while New Zealand defeat SVNS league winners Argentina 38-17 to take men’s bronze
- Brazil, China, Kenya and Spain women, along with Uruguay, USA, Kenya and Germany men secure places in HSBC SVNS 2026 Division two following success in LA Play Off
- Argentina’s Luciano Gonzalez and New Zealand’s Jorja Miller named men’s and women’s HSBC SVNS Player of the Year
