The Ultimate Sevens tournament is set to kick off with an exciting draft, showcasing the talent of players from around the globe. This inaugural season promises to be a spectacle, with 17 nations and 131 players participating in the men's and women's teams. The competition will take place across four back-to-back weeks in Spain, Wales, France, and England in September, with fixtures already set and head coaches confirmed.
The draft process is a strategic affair, with clubs selecting players for their male and female squads. Each side will feature up to 12 players, including two marquee players, nine elite players, and one academy player. The picks will be made across five rounds this week, with the full squads expected to be finalized by the end of it.
Among the marquee players, Pacific Current has secured the services of Fijian and Australian stars. Maddison Levi and Reapi Ulunisau will be the female marquee players, while Henry Hutchison and Terio Veilawa will join the men's side. Spanish talent is also on display with Manu Monero and Luciano González joining the men's team Sol Feroz, and Thalia Costa and Jimena Blanco-Hortiguena leading the women's side.
Atlantic Novas will feature a mix of USA and Canadian stars, including Lucas Lacamp and Stephen Tomasin, who are Olympic duo, and Krissy Scurfield, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist. Faith Nathan, the 2026 SVNS Champion, will also be part of the women's side.
Albion Athletic has made impressive signings with Abbie Brown and Isabella Nasser, both of whom were part of the SVNS Dream Team of the Year. Tristan Leyds, the Men's SVNS Player of the Year, will join Great Britain captain Charlton Kerr, adding further star power to the team.
Clan Taran will showcase a strong Southern Hemisphere influence, with New Zealand duo Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Roderick Solo, along with Australian Heidi Dennis and Blitzbok Shilton van Wyk. Foudre Bleue will have a French contingent, with Paris gold medalist Antoine Zeghdar and teammate Paulin Riva, as well as XVs convert Valentine Lothoz and Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carla Neisen.
As the draft concludes this week, all teams will have their squads finalized, with the remaining nine elite players and one academy player to be confirmed. The tournament is set to be a thrilling showcase of talent, with the top players from around the world coming together for an unforgettable experience.
