The World Rugby SVNS Series lands in Perth, Australia, from January 24–26, marking the third leg of the 2024/25 season. With the stakes higher than ever, the competition will see elite rugby nations battle for supremacy as New Zealand and Fiji continue to lead the women’s and men’s standings, respectively.
Women’s Tournament: All Eyes on New Zealand and Maddison Levi
New Zealand, the reigning Olympic champions and current series leaders, head into the women’s division as heavy favorites. Drawn into Pool A, they will face Japan, Ireland, and Brazil in what promises to be an action-packed group stage. The Kiwis’ dominance has been a highlight of the series so far, but they are not without challenges.
Australia, spearheaded by World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Maddison Levi, poses a significant threat. Levi’s record-breaking 15 tries in Dubai secured her team an opening victory, and she will be keen to replicate that performance on home turf. The Australians, however, have more than just Levi to count on—they have redemption on their minds.
Last year’s shock defeat to Ireland in the Perth final still stings, and their recent stumble in Cape Town, where they finished outside the podium, adds further motivation. To make this leg even more special, the hosts will aim to reach the final on Australia Day, with the women’s championship match set to close out the event for the first time in history.
How to Watch the HSBC SVNS Perth All Action Live
Fans from around the globe can catch the HSBC SVNS Perth matches live through SteadyFlix, a versatile streaming platform available in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Simply visit their website to choose the best viewing option for your location.
Men’s Tournament: Fiji’s Continued Dominance and Rising Contenders
In the men’s division, Fiji has proven to be a powerhouse, leading the standings after a stellar win in Dubai and a second-place finish in Cape Town. Vuiviwa Naduvalo has been the linchpin of their attack, consistently outpacing opponents with his speed and precision. Fiji’s Pool C clash with New Zealand, Kenya, and Uruguay will be a must-watch, as the Pacific islanders look to solidify their lead in the series.
While Fiji remains the team to beat, Spain has emerged as the surprise package of the season. Their unexpected second-place finish in Dubai has placed them second overall, making them a dark horse in Perth. South Africa, the winners of the last round, and Olympic champions France are also poised to make their mark, ensuring the competition remains fiercely contested.
SVNS Perth 2025 Event Schedule
The three-day extravaganza promises non-stop action. Here’s the schedule, with all times in AWST (UTC+8):
Friday, 24 January:
- 14:44–20:50: Women’s group matches
- 14:00–20:00: Men’s group matches
Saturday, 25 January:
- 14:19–21:15: Women’s group and play-off matches
- 12:00–19:00: Men’s group and play-off matches
Sunday, 26 January:
- 13:52–20:20: Women’s play-off matches and finals
- 13:30–19:40: Men’s play-off matches and finals
Anticipation Builds for Rugby’s Best
With New Zealand and Fiji setting the tone for the series, the Perth leg promises to deliver world-class rugby and memorable moments. For the women’s teams, Australia’s quest for redemption on home soil will be a narrative to watch closely. On the men’s side, Fiji’s consistency, Spain’s rise, and South Africa’s recent momentum ensure plenty of intrigue.
