After two days of non-stop action, colour and crowd energy, the HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026, affectionately known as the Family SVNS, closed at the National Stadium at The Kallang with rugby fans getting exactly what they came for, and then some.
Across the weekend, close to 40,000 fans poured into the stadium, transforming it into a buzzing playground of elite rugby, youth showcases, fanfare and festival fun. The grand finale delivered fittingly dramatic conclusions, with Fiji’s men defending their Singapore title in comeback fashion and New Zealand’s women powering past Australia to lift the trophy once again.

Finals Day kicked off with a future-facing prelude as the Singapore Rugby Union Schools U14 Sevens took to the field. Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) impressed with a commanding 37–7 win over St Andrew’s Secondary School, offering an early reminder that the next generation of local rugby talent is already making its mark.

The Women’s 3rd/4th Place Playoff between Canada and USA set the tone for a dramatic afternoon. Canada struck first to take a 5–0 lead, but what followed was a pulsating contest that swung relentlessly between the two sides. Locked at 19–19 at full time, the match spilled into golden-point extra time, where tension rippled through the stands. Canada eventually found the decisive moment, sealing victory and earning bronze in a match defined by resilience and composure.

The Men’s 3rd/4th Place Playoff between New Zealand and South Africa was a masterclass in momentum shifts. New Zealand opened with a sharp break to lead 7–0, before South Africa responded to trail just 7–5 at half-time. Two second-half tries saw South Africa surge ahead 12–7, only for New Zealand to produce a stunning late try—with under a minute left on the clock—to clinch a thrilling 14–12 victory. It was a finish worthy of Finals Day, and one that kept fans on their feet until the very last whistle.

The Women’s Cup Final between New Zealand and Australia began with emotional national anthems that set a powerful stage for the championship clash. Once play began, New Zealand wasted no time asserting control. A first try made it 5–0, followed by two rapid scores that opened up a commanding lead. By half-time, the Black Ferns Sevens were up 24–0, and they continued their relentless pace to seal a dominant 36–7 victory. This was a statement performance from the reigning champions: clinical, composed and utterly convincing.

If the women’s final showcased dominance, the Men’s Cup Final between Fiji and France delivered pure drama. After rousing national anthems, and a heart-warming moment as a young ball boy was lifted by the Fiji team. France came out firing. Despite an early French try being ruled out, they soon established control and led 12–0 at half-time, playing a smart, possession-heavy game.
But Fiji, true to sevens tradition, found another gear. A crucial try narrowed the gap to 12–7, before two tries in quick succession flipped the contest entirely. With speed, flair and belief surging through the team, Fiji completed a sensational comeback to win 21–12, scoring all their points in the second half to successfully defend their Singapore crown. It was a comeback that summed up Fiji sevens at its best—and sent the stadium into celebration mode.

Beyond the headline matches, the pitch at The Kallang played host to far more than finals. The Ruck and Rumble tournaments gave aspiring players the chance to test themselves on a world-class stage, while youth-focused initiatives continued to drive rugby’s growth in Singapore.

Looking ahead, the momentum rolls on. From 2 February 2026, the National School Games will take over the National Stadium, featuring seven matches across thirteen schools, followed by the Singapore Rugby Union National League U15s kicking off from 7 February 2026, giving junior players aged 8 to 11 further opportunities to shine.

True to its moniker, Family SVNS was as much about atmosphere as it was about athleticism. The promenade buzzed with activity, from wheelchair rugby showcases and tag rugby sessions to meet-and-greets with Peppa Pig, George Pig, My Little Pony, and even Optimus Prime. Fans rocked everything from banana suits to cow costumes, while kids locked into console gaming zones and parents enjoyed a breather at the Kids Drop-Off Zone. Food and drink rounded out the festival feel, with family-friendly bites from Meatsmith and Burnt Ends Bakery, plus refreshing drinks and sunshine at the Beach Club.

As the final whistle blew and confetti settled, one thing was clear: HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 marked a weekend-long celebration of sport, community and shared experience. The good news? It’s doing it all again. HSBC SVNS Singapore returns to The Kallang on 30 & 31 January 2027, with tickets launching later this year. And if this weekend was anything to go by, it’s one date fans won’t want to miss.
Featured Photo Credit: HSBC SVNS
All other Photo Credit (except where stated): The Kallang
HSBC SVNS 2026 played from 31st January to 1st February 2026 at The Kallang. View all scores and the match schedule here,
The HSBC SVNS Singapore will return to The Kallang on 30 & 31 January 2027 with tickets launching later this year.
