As the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2025 heats up, the race for promotion back to the HSBC SVNS intensifies. Following an action-packed second round in Cape Town, the top eight men’s teams—Germany, Canada, Portugal, Chile, Samoa, Japan, Madagascar, and Tonga—have booked their places in the third round in Krakow, Poland, set for April 11-12.
Among these teams, several are no strangers to rugby sevens' elite level. Canada, Samoa, and Portugal have all previously held core status in the HSBC SVNS, and now they are fighting for a return to the top tier of international sevens rugby.
A Critical Pathway to HSBC SVNS
The HSBC Sevens Challenger serves as a gateway to the prestigious HSBC SVNS, offering aspiring teams a chance to compete on the sport’s biggest stage. The top four teams from the Challenger series will qualify for the HSBC SVNS Play-Off, held in Los Angeles on May 3-4, where they will battle for promotion.
For teams with a history in the SVNS, the stakes are even higher. Canada, Samoa, and Portugal, once regulars in the world series, now seek to reclaim their place among rugby’s sevens elite.
Teams with HSBC SVNS Experience Looking for Redemption
Canada: A Return to the Big Stage?
Canada was a core team in the HSBC SVNS from the 2008–09 season until 2023–24. They enjoyed a strong run in the circuit, with their best-ever finish being 4th place in 2021. However, after a disappointing 2023–24 campaign, they were relegated and are now fighting to regain their position.
Samoa: A Former Champion on the Comeback Trail
Samoa is one of the most successful teams to have fallen out of the HSBC SVNS. Having been a core team from 1999–00 to 2023–24, they were once among the world’s best, winning the entire series in the 2009–10 season. The Pacific Islanders are now on a mission to return to the world’s top rugby sevens competition.
Portugal: Seeking a Revival
Portugal held core status from 2012–13 to 2015–16, with their best finish being 14th place in the 2014–15 season. While they have been absent from the top tier for several years, their recent performances in the Challenger series suggest they could be on the verge of a return.
Krakow Showdown: A Decisive Stage
With Krakow hosting the third round, teams will have one last chance to secure their standing before heading into the crucial Play-Off in Los Angeles. Alongside former SVNS teams, rising challengers such as Germany, Chile, Japan, Madagascar, and Tonga are eager to make history and earn a spot in rugby sevens' elite competition.
As the Challenger series progresses, the battle for promotion is set to deliver high-intensity action, drama, and fierce competition. With history and future aspirations on the line, Krakow promises to be a defining moment in the journey back to HSBC SVNS.
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