Let's dive into the exciting world of rugby and explore the potential stars who could shine on the HSBC SVNS Series stage. This series, with Olympic qualifications on the line, promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent.
The Rising Stars of XVs Rugby
The HSBC SVNS Series is not just about the established sevens stars; it's an opportunity for the best of XVs rugby to showcase their skills in a rapid-fire format. With the Nations Championship and Nations Cup already proving that XVs players can excel in sevens, let's uncover some of the names that could dominate the circuit.
Max Jorgensen: Australia's Rising Star
Max Jorgensen, a breakout star in the last year and a half, has made a name for himself as a dangerous finisher. His famous last-gasp try against England at Twickenham in 2024 was a moment of pure brilliance. With consistent form for the NSW Waratahs and tries against rugby giants like the British & Irish Lions, South Africa, and France, Jorgensen has proven his worth. His skills have even kept SVNS Series title winner Corey Toole on the bench, suggesting he's ready to take the Wallabies to new heights.
Henry Pollock: England's Showman
Henry Pollock, known for his match-winning performances off the bench for England, has been a standout player for Northampton. His efforts earned him the 2025 Premiership Breakthrough Player of the Season Award. Pollock's ability to captivate audiences and his brute force as a carrier make him a potential game-changer in the sevens format. He's a polarizing figure, but his show-stopping moments could be exactly what the SVNS Series needs.
Antoine Dupont: France's Olympic Gold Medalist
Antoine Dupont, an Olympic gold medalist, has only played one year in the shorter format, but his impact was undeniable. With 64 caps for France, Dupont's presence elevates the performance of his teammates. It's almost certain that he'll make a return to the shorter format, especially with a gold medal to defend. The 2026-27 SVNS Series could be the perfect stage for him.
Canan Moodie: South Africa's Dangerous Finisher
Canan Moodie, a World Cup winner and 22-capped Springbok, has quickly established himself as one of South Africa's most lethal finishers. With nine tries across his career, Moodie's size and skill make him an ideal winger for the sevens format. He could be a game-changer for the Blitzboks, tearing apart defenses with his speed and power.
Renee Holmes: New Zealand's World Cup Hero
Renee Holmes, a World Cup winner and a 30-cap veteran for New Zealand, is surprisingly absent from the sevens format. Her performances as one of the world's most dangerous fullbacks and finishers speak for themselves. Holmes' transition to the Black Ferns 7s seems imminent, especially after being named in their development squad for the Coral Coast 7s earlier this year. Her inclusion would be a massive boost for the team.
Desiree Miller: Australia's Versatile Talent
Desiree Miller, a long-time Wallaroo and NSW Waratah, has followed in the footsteps of her running mate Maya Stewart, who impressed at the Singapore SVNS. Miller is a high-point scorer for both her provincial and international sides, and her speed, versatility, and developing kicking skills make her an ideal candidate for the Aussie 7s program. With her interest in the shorter format, she could be a key addition to the team.
Josivini Neihamu: Fiji's Rising Star
Josivini Neihamu, a name to watch in women's rugby, is already being tipped as a long-term prospect for the Fiji 7s. Having started her career playing both formats, Neihamu was nominated for the World Rugby Women's 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2025. Her dominance in the centres during the 2026 Super Rugby Women's season suggests that her inclusion in the SVNS Series is not a matter of if, but when.
Morgane Bourgeois: France's Kicking Threat
Morgane Bourgeois, with 18 caps for France, has been a consistent performer for both the national side and Stade Bordelais, winning titles in 2023 and 2024. Her short international career has already seen her score 137 points, and she finished among the top point scorers at the 2025 Rugby World Cup. With a quality kicking boot, Bourgeois could be an eclectic weapon for Les Bleus to unleash on the SVNS Series stage.
A New Era of Rugby Talent
The HSBC SVNS Series has the potential to showcase a new generation of rugby stars, with these XVs players bringing their unique skills and experiences to the shorter format. It's an exciting prospect, and one that could shape the future of the sport. Personally, I can't wait to see how these stars adapt and thrive in this high-octane environment.
