The HSBC SVNS Series is back, and with it, a fresh wave of excitement as we speculate on the stars who will shine in this fast-paced rugby extravaganza. While the focus often falls on the established sevens players, I believe there's a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed in the world of XVs rugby.
Unlocking Potential: XVs to SVNS
The Nations Championship and Nations Cup have proven to be breeding grounds for talent, showcasing how players from the XVs format can seamlessly transition to the rapid-fire nature of sevens. It's an intriguing prospect, and one that I think deserves more attention.
Max Jorgensen: Australia's Rising Star
Starting with Max Jorgensen, a name that has been making waves in Australian rugby. His try against England at Twickenham in 2024 was a moment of pure brilliance, and it's no surprise he's kept a SVNS Series champion like Corey Toole on the bench. Jorgensen's ability to finish, combined with his recent form, suggests he could be a game-changer for the Wallabies in the SVNS Series.
Henry Pollock: Showmanship and Skill
Moving to England, Henry Pollock is a player who divides opinion but undoubtedly leaves an impression. His award-winning season with Northampton showcases a player who can impact games from the bench. In the sevens format, Pollock's showmanship could be a crowd-pleaser, and his ability to create moments of magic might just be the X-factor teams are looking for.
Antoine Dupont: Olympic Gold, XVs Excellence
Now, here's an interesting case. Antoine Dupont, an Olympic gold medalist, has only dabbled in the shorter format, but his impact was undeniable. With 64 caps for France, Dupont's presence elevates his teammates. I believe his return to the SVNS Series, especially with a gold medal to defend, could be a masterstroke.
Canan Moodie: South Africa's Rising Talent
Canan Moodie is a name that stands out for South Africa. A World Cup winner and a Springbok with just 22 caps, Moodie has already made his mark as a dangerous finisher. His size and skill set make him an ideal candidate for the Blitzboks, offering a new dimension to their attack.
Renee Holmes: New Zealand's Hidden Gem
Renee Holmes is a player who, on paper, should have already made her mark in the sevens format. With a World Cup win and 30 caps, Holmes is an exceptional talent. Her recent performances, including a stellar showing at the 2025 Rugby World Cup, suggest a transition to the Black Ferns 7s is imminent.
Desiree Miller: Australia's Versatile Talent
Desiree Miller, a long-time running mate of Maya Stewart, is another player who could make a seamless transition. Her speed, versatility, and developing kicking skills make her an attractive prospect for the Aussie 7s program. Miller's interest in the shorter format is a sign that we might see her shine on the SVNS stage soon.
Josivini Neihamu: Fiji's Rising Star
Josivini Neihamu is a name to watch out for in women's rugby. Already being touted as a long-term prospect for Fiji 7s, Neihamu's dominance in the centres during the 2026 Super Rugby Women's season is a testament to her talent. Her inclusion in the SVNS Series feels like a matter of 'when', not 'if'.
Morgane Bourgeois: France's Kicking Threat
Finishing off with France, Morgane Bourgeois is a player with an impressive international career, having won two titles with Stade Bordelais. With 137 points in her short career, Bourgeois is a threat with the boot, and her inclusion in the SVNS Series could provide Les Bleus with an eclectic weapon.
A New Dimension
The potential for these XVs stars to excel in the SVNS Series is immense. It adds a new layer of excitement, showcasing the versatility and talent within the rugby community. Personally, I think this transition from XVs to SVNS is an untapped resource, and I'm excited to see how these players adapt and thrive in this high-octane environment.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the unique skill sets these players bring, offering a fresh perspective to the traditional sevens format. It's an evolution of the game, and I, for one, am eager to see how it unfolds.
