HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 Brings World-Class Rugby and Family Festivities to The Kallang
- John Yeong
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Branded as the “Family SVNS”, this year’s tournament promises not only top-tier international rugby sevens action, but also a festival-style atmosphere featuring family-friendly fringe activities
SINGAPORE, 29 January 2026 – The Kallang Group has officially launched HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026, setting the stage for a high-energy weekend of elite rugby, entertainment and community-focused activities at the National Stadium.
Branded as the “Family SVNS”, this year’s tournament promises not only top-tier international rugby sevens action, but also a festival-style atmosphere featuring family-friendly fringe activities, fan zones and community programmes across the Kallang precinct.
The launch event, held earlier today at Conrad Singapore Marina Bay, brought together representatives from The Kallang Group, World Rugby and Singapore Rugby Union, alongside team captains and ambassadors. Leaders discussed the continued growth of rugby sevens in the region, Singapore’s role on the global HSBC SVNS circuit under the new tournament format, and what fans can expect both on and off the pitch this weekend.
Blockbuster Match-Ups Set for Singapore
This year’s draw features a series of highly anticipated clashes, with traditional rugby sevens powerhouses meeting fast-rising challengers early in the tournament.
In the men’s competition, 2025 champions South Africa will face off against Fiji, winners of HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025. On the women’s side, reigning Singapore champions New Zealand are set to take on strong contenders including France, Canada and Great Britain, setting the stage for potential upsets.
Sam Pinder, HSBC SVNS General Manager at World Rugby, said the Singapore leg is set to be another highlight of the season.
“With two thrilling rounds already setting the tone this season, HSBC SVNS Singapore is set to deliver another unforgettable chapter. Fans can expect an action-packed match schedule featuring the world’s best rugby sevens teams, fast-paced encounters and high-stakes moments. We’re excited to welcome the SVNS series back to Singapore and showcase the electric rugby sevens atmosphere.”
Three-Week Rugby Festival Set to Transform Singapore’s Rugby Pathway
Singapore Rugby Union General Manager Sidney Kumar says the expanded HSBC Singapore SVNS and SEA 7s calendar marks a major shift in how major events are being used to drive long-term rugby development in Singapore.
“This year, what’s really exciting is that we’re no longer looking at the HSBC Singapore SVNS as just a single weekend event,” Kumar said.
“By expanding it into a three-week rugby festival, we’re creating a much deeper and more meaningful impact across the entire rugby ecosystem — from elite performance to grassroots participation. It allows us to engage schools, clubs and the wider community in a sustained way, rather than just for a few days.”
A key highlight of the expanded format is increased access for local players to world-class facilities, including the National Stadium pitch following the international tournament. “One of the most powerful changes this year is giving local schools and our rugby premiership teams the opportunity to play on the same world-class surface used by the international stars,” Kumar explained.
“That experience is incredibly motivating — it helps young players visualise themselves on that stage and reinforces that high-performance environments are something they can aspire to and be part of.”
Kumar also highlighted the importance of regional competition and international partnerships in strengthening Singapore’s long-term rugby pathway. “The SEA 7s plays a critical role in our player pathway by providing a highly competitive regional platform that sits between domestic competitions and the global SVNS circuit,” he said.
“At the same time, hosting major tournaments like HSBC SVNS and SEA 7s strengthens our relationships with World Rugby and regional unions. These partnerships go beyond just hosting events — they create opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and development programmes that will help raise standards and build a more sustainable rugby ecosystem for Singapore.”
A Showcase of Sport, Entertainment and Community
Yazed Osman, Group Head, Events & Placemaking and Place Management at The Kallang Group, highlighted the broader vision behind hosting the tournament.
“HSBC SVNS is one of the most dynamic sporting events in the world. Singapore has long been a place where the energy of rugby truly comes alive on and off the pitch, and The Kallang is proud to once again host a SVNS tournament weekend that goes beyond the matches,” he said.
“As our first major sporting event under our new brand identity, this tournament embodies our vision to be the region's leading destination for sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community events. Whether you are here for the rugby, the atmosphere or the shared festivities with family and friends, this is where memories are made.”
Captains Embrace the ‘Family SVNS’ Spirit
Team captains from Fiji and New Zealand were also present at the launch to share their excitement ahead of the tournament.
Fiji men’s captain Jeremaia Matana said the team is eager to continue its strong form in Singapore.
“We’ve had a strong start to the season and hope to continue this momentum as we defend our men’s champions title in sunny Singapore. Playing in the National Stadium at The Kallang is always special as fans of all ages come out to cheer on the team – it’s easy to see why this tournament is called the ‘Family SVNS’. The energy from fans across the whole weekend is truly incredible.”
New Zealand women’s captain Risi Pouri-Lane echoed the sentiment, describing Singapore as a unique and memorable stop on the circuit.
“Singapore is a very unique stop for us. There is a feeling of excitement as we return to the iconic National Stadium at The Kallang. There is also a sense of familiarity – seeing landmarks like Marina Bay or Gardens by the Bay – places we’ve seen on TV or the internet and now getting to experience it ourselves whilst competing in the World Series is very special.”
Capturing the Spirit at The Kallang
As part of the launch, HSBC SVNS team captains also took part in a special photoshoot at the National Stadium, Singapore’s iconic home of major sporting and cultural moments.
With its distinctive domed architecture and world-class facilities, the National Stadium remains a defining feature of Singapore’s skyline and a hub for international sporting events, live performances and community engagement.
The photoshoot symbolised the spirit of HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 — where world-class rugby meets family-friendly festivities, bringing together fans of all ages at the heart of The Kallang. #HSBCSVNSSGP #HSBCSVNS #SVNS2026