Dubai- UAE: The final of the international rugby sevens saw the curtain close on a very exciting chapter of the same in HSBC SVNS 3 which was dramatic in its ending in Dubai. Spanning two days and featuring high-intensity, high-paced play in The Sevens Stadium, young and ambitious teams competed, among other things, to secure silverware and a place in the global SVNS pathway.
The women of South Africa would rise to the top of the tournament as invincible champions and the men of Canada took the title of their own, which is difficult won, which only shows how rich and competitive the global game of sevens is.
A Landmark Event In The SVNS Pathway
The HSBC SVNS 3 tournament is an essential part of the reformatted sevens of World Rugby. As an entry-level global event, SVNS 3 provides developing countries and rebuilding teams with a distinct path of reaching other events at a higher level, and a future promotion to SVNS 2 is a strong possibility. Dubai offered the ideal setting, with the existence of neutral conditions, state of the art facilities, and the sevens tradition ambiance. Every match was endowed with significance as there was qualification, rankings, and momentum at stake.
South Africa Women: The Ideal Tournament
Stability, Calmness and Dominance
Women of South Africa gave one of the most complete performances of the tournament in HSBC SVNS 3 which has been witnessed at this level. Until in the final hooter of the championship match, they were beaten, they were unbeaten, calm and well-organized in a tactical way. Their path to the title was characterized by group defense and shrewd finishing. The opponents found it hard to break a well organised defensive line and South Africa always used pressure to translate into points.
Semi-Final Statement Against Poland
In the semi-final, South Africa gave a statement against Poland, defeating them easily 365. The game not only got them a spot in the final but also ensured their rise up to SVNS 2, which was one of their goals at the start of the tournament.
The play also demonstrated the richness of the team, as it scored several tries and had a good grip of space, pace, and execution.

A Rough Last End With Argentina
The women’s final against Argentina was the most challenging one to South Africa. The first blow was made by Argentina, which took advantage of early action and scored 5-0 goals and pressurised the undefeated streak. South Africa acted in a kind of non-hysterical manner. Zintle Mpupha made the cross line and the scores were even again turning the tide in their favour. Later on in the game, discipline turned out to be the difference. A second yellow card resulted in Argentina being left with five players and South Africa took advantage.
One of the most important moments of the game occurred in the end of the game when Patience Mokone scored the try that won a 12-5 match and made the South African team the champions of HSBC SVNS 3.
Canada Men Rise To The Occasion
Creating Momentum with the Knockouts. The women’s game was characterized by South Africa dominating but the male competition was characterized by surprises and toughness. Canada won as champions having passed through a tough knockout stage which tested their physical stamina and psychological readiness.
Their semi-final against Hong Kong China was one of the most dramatic matches of the HSBC SVNS 3 tournament in which they had to play extra time in order to be separated. The golden-point try by Thomas Isherwood made Canada go to the final and preserved their hopes of getting a promotion.
Final Victory Over Belgium
Canada has had to compete in the final of the men against Belgium, and the match was one that included speed, intensity, as well as tactics. Vincent Hart was given a yellow card forcing Belgium to be on the back foot and Canada took advantage at once to have an early lead.
Although Belgium counterattacked to reduce the distance, Canada took over in the second half. Attempts by Jack Shaw and Ethan Turner were decisive and Canada pulled back and won the title. The victory did not only bring silverware, but it also confirmed the promotion of Canada to SVNS 2 from HSBC SVNS 3 which is a big milestone to the program.

Bronze Battles And Classification Matches
Women’s Third-Place Play-Off
Czechia took the third place in the women’s competition with an overwhelming score 24-14 over Poland. Julie Dolezilova played a crucial role, having scored twice in a game that revealed the Czechia attitude and physical dominance.
Men’s Third-Place Play-Off
During the bronze match, men, Samoa defeated Hong Kong China and got third place. They also used their hallmark strength and explosive running to dominate their rivals by 25–5 which ended their campaign in Dubai on an uplifting note.
Encounters Of A High Scoring Across Board
Other matches of classification were highly entertaining. Colombia rose to number five in the women standings, with a resounding victory over Thailand, and Madagascar beat Italy 31- 22 in a nine-try play-off in the men’s fifth place play-off.
Promotion Secured And Futures Determined
And now that the tournament is over, the implications become obvious:
- South Africa (Women) and Canada (Men) get a step ahead as champions.
- Argentina (Women) and Belgium (Men) also got promotion because of good finishes.
- The four teams advance to HSBC SVNS 2 and the competition becomes tougher.
The advertised teams will now play future events of SVNS 2 in Nairobi, Montevideo and Sao Paulo, with stronger rivalry and greater challenges as they take a step towards the higher stage in international sevens rugby.
The Role of Dubai In Rugby Sevens Around The World
Dubai again demonstrated why it is still a cornerstone in hosting the rugby sevens. The HSBC SVNS 3 supported the image of the city as a cauldron of new talents and a catapult to those teams who want to reach the world ladder.
The tournament provided drama, opportunity, and inspiration to players, coaches, and even fans, which are the hallmarks of the sevens format at its best.
A Tournament That Surpassed On All Fronts
HSBC SVNS 3 in Dubai was not only a competition but also a declaration of the level and scope of rugby sevens. The determination of the women’s campaign never beaten by the South African team and the hard fought victory of the men’s team in Canada was the embodiment of the ambition, growth and excellence that characterizes the SVNS way to go.
When the teams look forward to the next part of the series, the Dubai performances will remain the time when the competitors were already considered real players on the international arena.
Also read: Changed Bus Routes in Dubai: RTA Launches New Routes and Updates Over 70+ Services
