Bordeaux set for thrilling World Championship finale

Bordeaux, France, is set to host the thrilling finale of the HSBC SVNS World Championship, bringing an end to an exciting season of sevens rugby. The three-day tournament will decide not only the world champions but also which teams secure a coveted spot in next season's elite HSBC SVNS series.

The captains of the 24 participating teams gathered at the historic Opera national de Bordeaux for the final photocall. This event follows a significant weekend in Spain where the reigning men's and women's world champions, South Africa and New Zealand, experienced unexpected defeats, paving the way for strong performances from Australian teams.

Australia's men's team defeated South Africa in the final, climbing to third in the World Championship Series standings. They now have a genuine chance to claim the title, though they face stiff competition from Argentina, Fiji, Spain, and New Zealand. In the women's competition, Australia's women's side leapfrogged New Zealand, the Black Ferns Sevens, in the standings after a dominant run to the final, defeating their rivals in the semi-finals and then the USA in the championship match. Australia, New Zealand, and the USA lead the women's standings, with France and Canada also in close pursuit.

“

We are very excited to be in Bordeaux because it’s our home and it’s in front of the French public. We can’t wait to play this weekend. There will be a lot of noise, and the fans will be partying everywhere – it will be a lot of fun.

Home country captain Lili Dezou expressed excitement about playing in Bordeaux in front of a passionate French crowd, anticipating a "command performance" and a "lot of fun" with "a lot of noise." Meanwhile, teams like Brazil, South Africa, Argentina, and Great Britain are fighting to avoid relegation to HSBC SVNS 2, needing crucial points in the final weekend. French captain Paulin Riva highlighted the privilege of playing in France again after the Paris Olympics, especially in a "rugby city" like Bordeaux, in front of family, friends, and supporters.

Fans attending the tournament can expect top-level rugby within a vibrant festival atmosphere, featuring activities for all ages. Those unable to attend can catch all the action live on Rugby Pass TV.

“

Returning to France after our success at the Paris Olympics is a great opportunity. Playing in front of our families, friends, and French supporters in a city like Bordeaux, a rugby city, is a privilege.