The thrilling return of international rugby sevens captivated large audiences at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, with the Australia women’s team and the Fiji men’s team emerging as early leaders in the HSBC Sevens World Series standings.
Fiji secured the men’s trophy by defeating Spain 19-5, marking their first tournament victory since Toulouse in 2022 and their first in Dubai since 2016. Argentina also celebrated success in the men’s tournament, clinching the bronze medal with a convincing 14-0 win over New Zealand.
The Australian women triumphed in an intense final against New Zealand, edging out the Olympic champions with a score of 28-24. This win marked their remarkable fifth consecutive tournament victory in Dubai. France captured the bronze in the women’s division after narrowly defeating Great Britain 15-12.
Fiji showcased their formidable performance during the tournament, particularly during the semi-finals where they convincingly beat Argentina 43-21, following a tense quarter-final victory over the reigning Olympic champions, France, with a score of 19-17. Coach Osea Kolinisau expressed his joy, stating, “It’s been a long time coming,” as the team celebrated breaking their title drought.
Spain made their mark too, reaching the cup final for the first time in history after achieving a thrilling 19-14 victory over New Zealand in the semi-finals, having earlier won against Great Britain by the same margin.
On the women’s side, Australia advanced to the final by delivering dominant performances, including a 35-7 semi-final win against Great Britain and a decisive 39-0 victory over Canada, the silver medallists from the Olympics. New captain Isabella Nasser praised her team’s tight-knit spirit and hinted at even greater achievements to come.
The tournament also highlighted the influx of new talent, with 91 debutants across both men’s and women’s teams joining established stars on the field. Notably, Australia’s Maddison Levi was honored as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year and set a record for the most tries in a single tournament with 15 tries in just six matches. Aimee Leigh Murphy Crowe of Ireland and Faith Nathan from Australia also reached significant milestones by scoring their 200th and 100th Series tries, respectively.
As the excitement continues, all teams will now shift focus to the next round in Cape Town, scheduled for December 7-8. With a new competition format in place, the anticipation among fans and players alike is palpable.
In a world increasingly drawn to dynamic team sports, the exciting narratives and impressive performances in Dubai signify a bright future for rugby sevens, showcasing its growth and the unwavering spirit of competition.
The upcoming Cape Town tournament holds promise for even more unforgettable moments as teams prepare to battle for supremacy on the global stage.
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