The inaugural even of the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS World Series will take place in Dubai over the course of this weekend. It's a 2-day event that starts just before 7am GMT. Here is a quick look at the sides competing across the men's and women's competitions.

Men's Competition

Argentina

The Pumas have long been one of the top teams on the circuit and look set to compete for the top spot once again this time around.  Stars like Rodrigo Isgro have broken out in this team, who will be the next Argentinian rugby star from this group?

Forwards: Santiago Alvarez, Matias Osadczuk, Gregorio Perez Pardo, German Schultz, Santino Zangara

Backs: Agustin Fraga, Luciano Gonzalez, Santiago Mare, Marcos Moneta, Joaquin Pellandini, Facundo Pueyrredon, Santiago Vera Feld, Tobias Wade

Australia

Australia, led by Henry Hutchison, are a consistent threat across this series. This is a side that remains fairly consistent and looks set to be up there again in 2026.

Forwards: Ben Dalton, Aden Ekanayake, Henry Hutchison, Michael Icely, Nathan Lawson, Henry paterson

Backs: Ben Dowling, Matthew Gonzalez, Sidney Harvey, James Mcgregor, Henry Palmer, Hayden Sargeant, James Turner

Fiji

Fiji's history in this sport is almost unmatched. The two-time Olympic Champions are the neutral's favourites and still bring their unique flare to the series. They may not be consistent semi-finalists, but Fiji will always be capable of ripping apart any team that they come up against.

Squad: Pilipo Bukayaro, George Bose, jeremaia Matana, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Viwa Naduvalo, Joji Nasova, Filipe Sauturaga, Kavekini Tanivanua Kula, Iowane Teba, Terio Veilawa, Suli Volivolit Uevei, Ilikimi Vunaki, Tira Wilagi

France

The Olympic Champions are a tough group with some exceptional athletes. They are as dangerous as they are fun to watch and will be a strong feature of every event in this series. They could be one of the losers from the number of teams being shrunk.

Forwards: Ali Dabo, Romain Gardrat, Varian Pasquet, Jordan Sepho, Antoine Zeghdar

Backs: Gregoire Arfeuil, Enahemo Artaud, Liam Delamare, Victor Hannoun, William Iraguha, Stephen Parez Edo Martin, Celian Pouzelgues, Paulin Riva

Great Britain

Great Britain just about clung on to their 8th spot in order to be in the series this year, but still moved from being a full-time team to a camp-only squad with no full-time contracts. Despite that change, they have managed to keep the continuity with their squad. It's a powerful group with the likes of Charlton kerr and Matt Davidson being the threats out wide whilst Harry Glover's offloading ability combines brilliantly with Jardine's creativity to provide a threat through the middle.

Forwards: jamie Barden, Charlton Kerr, Marcus Kershaw, Luke Mehson, Ethan Waddleton, Tom Williams

Backs:Ryan Apps, Tom Burton, Matt Davidson, Harry Glover, Will Homer, Sunni Jardine, Morgan Williams

New Zealand

New Zealand fell below expectations last season and will be looking to rectify that this time around. They have a strong sevens programme that should help them to compete at the top this year.

Forwards: Dylan Collier, Oli Mathis, Sione Molia, Tone Ng Shiu, Lewis Ormond, Joey Taumateine

Backs: Jack Gray, Andrew Knewstubb, Ngarohi McGarvey-Black, Sofai Notoa-Tipo, Brady Rush, Cody Vai, Joe Webber

South Africa

This side is full of raw talent but needs to find some more consistently. If South Africa can find that, they will be a serious factor in 2026.

Forwards: Zain Davids, Christie Grobbelaar, Ryan Oosthuizen, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Impi Visser

Backs: David Brits, Donavon Don, Ricardo Duarttee, Dewald Human, Tristan Leyds, Quewin Nortje, Shilton van Wyk, Shaun Williams

Spain

Last season's surprise package will be hoping to replicate that form in 2026. The cautionary tale of Ireland does loom, but this Spain team looks strong. The experince of Pol Pla symbolises the excellence within this team as they go into a very unpredictable season.

Forwards: Enrique Bolinches, Angel Bozal, Manu Moreno, Tobias Sainz-Trapaga, Josep Serres, Jeremy Trevithick

Backs: Noah Canepa, Francisco Cosculluela, Alejandro Laforga, Anton Legorburu Anso, Eduardo Lopez, Pol Pla, Roberto Ponce

Women's

Australia

Australia are one of the 2 strongest teams on the women's circuit. They, along with New Zealand, dominate the tour and look set to continue their leads. The Levi sisters are stars of this team whilst Tia Hinds and Charlotte Caslick bring this pace in the backs. This team will be difficult to catch.

Forwards: Demi Hayes, Kahli Henwood, Maddison Levi, Teagan Levi, Isabelle Nasser, Sariah Paki

Backs: Charlotte Caslick, Heidi Dennis, Kiiahla Duff, Tia Hinds, Faith Nathan, Ruby Nicholas, Piper Simons

Canada

One team that will be aiming to catch the top 2 is Canada. The Olympic silver-medalists have the ability to beat both of the top sides. If they are to do so, Asia Hogan-Rochester, who starred for Canada in the 2025 World Cup, will have to be at her best. She can score from absolutely anywhere and is a contender for top try-scorer in this series.

Forwards: Camille Arvin-Berod, Breanne Nicholas, Mahalia Robinson, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Shalaya Valenzuela

Backs: Maya Addai, Savannah Bauder, Pamphinet te Buisa, Monique Coffey, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Carmen Izyk, piper Logan, Carissa Norsten

Fiji

Fijiana have been one of the break-out teams in women's rugby in recent years and look set to continue their growth this year. They would have benefited from playing the likes of Brazil and China who have been unceremoniously booted out of the competition.

Forwards: Sera Bolatini, Adimo Naisoro, Silika Qalo, Ruth Raketekete, Mere Vocevoce

Backs: Rogosau Adimerean, Lavena Cavuru, Ilisapeci Delaiwu, Milika Drugnavanua, Livia Naidei, Ana Maria Naimasi, Vika Nakacia, Varanisese Qoro

France

France once again bring a strong team into this competition, headlined by World Cup star Kelly Arbey. 

Forwards: Kelly Arbey, Ian Jason, Valentine Lothoz, Carla Neisen, Hawa Tounkara, Lea Trollier

Backs: Alycia Christiaens, Anne-Cecile Ciofani, Lili Dezou, Marie Dupouy, Perrine Fagnen, Cleo Hagel, Suliana Sivi

Great Britain

Like their men's team, GB barely made it back into the series for this season and have had their contracts ripped up. The stalwarts of the team, such as Abbie Brown, remain whilst their speed threats like Ellie Boatman and Grace Crompton are still available. The development of Jade Shekells will be interesting to watch. She was in England's World Cup squad and has plenty of potential.

Forwards: Ellie Boatman, Abbie Brown, Heather Cowell, Vicky Laflin, Georgie Lingham, Jade Shekells, Lauren Torley

Backs: Reneeqa Bonner, Grace Crompton, Eloise Hayward, Emma Mundy, Katie Shillaker, Emma Uren

Japan

Japan are a unique side on the circuit and use their pace as a weapon rather than physicality. If they are able to dictate the terms of a game, any team in the series could find themselves unable to handle their style of play.

Forwards: Wakana Akita, Marin Kajiki, Seika Ohashi, Suzuha Okamoto, Chiaki Saegusa, Yukino Tsujisaki

Backs: Hana Nagata, Mei Ohtani, Yumeno Sakoda, Natsumi Takahashi, Minako Taniyama, Hanako Utsumi, Mayu Yoshino

New Zealand

The top dogs on the circuit will look to win the ultimate prize once again this time around. The likes Jorja Miller and Theresa Setefano help to set them apart from the chasing pack.

Forwards: Dhys Faleafaga, Sarah Hirini, Jorja Miller, Alena Saili, Theresa Setefano, Kelsey Teneti

Backs: Kelly Brazier, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Justine McGregor, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul, Risi Pouri-Lane, Katelyn Vahaakolo

USA

The USA are a big-name team but will now be a mid-table group after the competition was shrunk. They will also be without Ilhona Maher who's future within the game is unclear.

Forwards: Su Adegoke, Hann Humphreys, Sarah Levy, Alyssa Porter, Rachel Strasdas, Kaylen Thomas, Nia Toliver

Backs: Kayla Canett, Sariah Ibarra, Autumn Locicero, Jessica Lu, Alena Olsen, Ariana Ramsey