Historic Black Ferns Win, Fiji Thriller, Canada FISU Crown, and Quins Queens Take Embu 7s | WRR 262

Women’s Rugby 7s News

International

• Weekend Rundown
  • FISU World Championship 7s
    • Canada capped off an undefeated campaign to claim their fourth women’s FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens title, shutting out France 20-0 in the final at Stellenbosch. Tournament MVP Ava van Santen stole the show, crossing for all four Canadian tries in the gold medal match to bring her tournament-leading total to 12. France earned silver after dispatching defending champions Japan 23-12 in the semi-finals, relying heavily on their dominant breakdown play. Japan bounced back to secure the bronze medal with a 22-5 win over Australia, while also earning the Fair Play Award for their exceptional sportsmanship. Behind fourth-place Australia, Ireland took fifth place by topping the USA 26-17, host nation South Africa finished seventh, and Botswana rounded out the field in eighth following a final-day withdrawal for player welfare. [link]
• Look Ahead [link]
  • Ultimate Sevens – Cardiff: The inaugural, first of its kind professional franchise tournament lands at Cardiff Arms Park on September 12 as part of a groundbreaking three-city European tour. The revolutionary format features six global clubs fielding both men’s and women’s elite squads who share the exact same pitch with equal billing. Fans will see dynamic rule innovations, including continuous 10-minute non-stop matches with no half-time, as the circuit builds momentum toward a massive Grand Final at London’s Gtech Community Stadium.
  • Christie 7s: The Kenya National 7s Circuit reaches its dramatic conclusion starting September 12 with the historical 60th edition of the Christie Sevens in Nairobi, streamed live on the SportPesa YouTube channel.

Domestic

• Embu 7s (KEN)
  • The Kenya Harlequins made history at the Embu Stadium by claiming their maiden National 7s Circuit title, officially dethroning the long-dominant Mwamba. Known as the Quins Queens, the squad put together a dominant, defensive-minded tournament campaign capped off by a convincing 14-0 shutout victory against Kiambaa Ladies in the final. Their path to the crown included a major statement win in the semi-finals, where they stunned Mwamba 20-0 to secure their spot in the title decider. Beyond their landmark achievement on the pitch, the Quins women also used the tournament as a platform for social impact, wearing yellow ribbons throughout the competition to raise awareness for endometriosis. [link]
• Vodafone Samoa 7s Series
  • No Idea Sports Club claimed top honors in the opening leg, with Savaii Queens Rugby Club taking second and Striders Sports Club securing third. Serving as the primary domestic pathway to identify local talent for the Manusina 7s squad, the tournament provides crucial competitive game time for elite domestic players across the island nation ahead of upcoming international regional competitions. [link]

Women’s Rugby XVs News

International

• Weekend Rundown
  • Japan vs Fiji
    • The Fijiana hold off a relentless second-half comeback to secure a narrow 15-12 win over Japan in Fukuoka, marking their second consecutive victory over the Sakura Fifteen. Fiji absolutely dominated the stat sheet with 646 carry metres, 13 clean breaks, and 31 defenders beaten, powered by early tries from Ivamere Nabura Rokowati, Varanisese Qoro, and Aqela Raitubu. Despite Fiji’s explosive attack, missing all three conversions and picking up a second-half yellow card kept the door wide open for Japan. The Japanese side stayed alive on sheer grit and 63% territory, forcing 206 tackles and responding with tries from debutant Nami Asari and Asuka Kuge off a driving maul. Japan pressed relentlessly inside the 22 during the final minutes, but Fiji’s defense stood tall to seal the victory ahead of their upcoming WXV rematch in Italy. [link]
  • South Africa vs New Zealand
    • The Black Ferns overcome absolute chaos to secure a 52-20 win over South Africa in Johannesburg, braving altitude, a heavy 17-7 penalty count, and a total of four yellow cards that briefly left them down to 13 players against 15. The Springboks brutally punished New Zealand in the set piece, dominating the scrum and driving over two lineout tries. Even so, the Black Ferns flashed superior pace and clinical counter-attacking skill, remarkably outscoring the hosts two tries to nil while shorthanded. Key performances from Elinor-Plum King and Braxton Sorenson-McGee sparked an early 12-0 lead and kept the scoreboard ticking before halftime. A strong second-half push from the bench, headlined by Amarante Sititi and Justine McGregor, pushed the Black Ferns past the half-century mark to seal a rugged yet emphatic historic victory. [link]
      • Swys de Bruin unexpectedly stepped down as Springbok Women head coach following a dispute with SA Rugby, departing just days before their historic clash against the Black Ferns at FNB Stadium. Junior Boks assistant coach Melusi Mthethwa has been drafted in to assist the training group in his absence, bringing a sudden end to De Bruin’s tenure after leading South Africa to a groundbreaking World Cup quarterfinal appearance last year. Reports indicate the split stemmed from disagreements over win bonuses for overseas tours he did not personally attend alongside alleged administrative interference, with De Bruin now linked to a potential coaching role at Paarl Boys’ High. [link]
        • De Bruin has since publicly rejected rumors of a bonus dispute, clarifying that his resignation was submitted long before the news broke and was simply timed for the start of the new season. He emphasized that there was no financial row or psychological setback, stating that he is simply moving on to new opportunities after framing his planned departure around the natural end of the campaign. [link]
      •  
• Off the Field
  • WXV
    • USA
      • USA head coach Jack Hanratty and USA Sevens head coach Emilie Bydwell have locked in a 36-player squad for the upcoming WXV Global Series. Built on strong code-crossover alignment with the Sevens program, the roster welcomes Olympian Kayla Canett alongside breakout talent Tahna Wilfley, while Erica Jarrell-Searcy returns to 15s to co-captain the side with Georgie Perris-Redding. Prospects Nina Mason, Lauryn Carlton, Malia Isaacs, and Kennedy Feasby also earned senior call-ups following stellar performances on the USA Falcons tour to Brazil.  [link]
    • Brazil
      • Head coach Guilherme Coghetto has named a 28-player squad for the Brazilian Yaras, ahead of their historic debut at the WXV Global Challenger in Hong Kong this September. Coghetto selected a heavily domestic-based roster featuring 16 veterans from last year’s World Cup and 11 former Olympians, focusing entirely on long-term tactical development rather than short-term results as the squad prepares for the 2029 World Cup qualification cycle. The Yaras head into the tournament backed by strong momentum from preparatory friendlies, including recent victories over Colombia, and developmental sides from the United States, and South Africa. [link]
    • Italy
      • Newly appointed head coach Plinio Sciamanna has named a 38-player Italy squad for the upcoming 2026 WXV Global Series, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter for the national team. Sciamanna’s roster balances veteran leadership from stalwarts like Sofia Stefan, Elisa Giordano, and Michela Sillari with a significant wave of new talent, calling up seven potential debutants in Francesca Andreoli, Silvia Fent, Laura Foscato, Mascia Jelic, Natascia Aggio, Rubina Grassi, and Vittoria Zeni. Emphasizing internal competition and squad depth, Sciamanna views the four-match series as a crucial opportunity to establish a clear tactical identity and build a competitive core capable of performing at the highest international level. [link]
    • Wales
      • Head coach Sean Lynn has selected a fresh-looking 46-player extended training squad for Wales’ upcoming WXV Global Series campaign. The group features 14 uncapped players, including new call-ups fly-half Ffion Williams and prop Crystal James, alongside 37 players with Celtic Challenge experience via Brython Thunder and Gwalia Lightning. Before the squad is trimmed down for official Test matches, the players will undergo a robust pre-season block, which features a planned “Probables vs. Possibles” trial game to solidify selections. [link]
    • Samoa
      • Manusina Samoa head coach Ramsey Tomokino has named his 27-player squad for the WXV Global Series Challenger. Drawing heavily from domestic clubs as well as teams across Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong, the selection features a strong balance of international experience alongside four potential debutants in Itema Filipaina, Janita Faoagali-Kareta, Koreti Leilua, and Ariana Matue. [link]
  • Portugal – Lesley McKenzie
    • Former Japan Women’s head coach Lesley McKenzie has officially joined the coaching setup for both the Portuguese men’s national team, Os Lobos, and Rugby Europe Super Cup franchise Lusitanos XV. The former Canadian international hooker brings extensive top-tier experience to Lisbon following a successful six-year tenure leading the Sakura Fifteen, where she guided Japan through two World Cup cycles and secured landmark test victories over top-five opponents like Australia. Working alongside head coach Simon Mannix, McKenzie will assist in steering Os Lobos through their upcoming World Rugby Nations Cup matches against Chile, Samoa, and Uruguay, as well as their long-term preparations for Rugby World Cup 2027. [link]
  • Rugby’s Digital Dilemma
    • Independent creators across social media platforms are reporting a surge in aggressive copyright strikes, sparking growing frustration over how major sports governing bodies and broadcasters manage digital intellectual property. Former Scotland international Jim Hamilton recently called on rights holders like SuperSport to balance strict asset protection with global fan engagement, pointing out the absurdity of current enforcement after a fan-shot video he filmed himself on a friend’s phone was removed after hitting a million views. Hamilton argued that short-form video, podcasts, and social media reactions serve as vital marketing tools to attract new global audiences, warning that failing to adapt risks rendering the sport irrelevant in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. [link]
  • Governance
    • Canada
      • British Columbia Rugby Union has appointed former national team player and coach John Tait as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, capping a five-year stint with the organization where he previously served as Technical Director and twice stepped in as Interim CEO. The search committee praised Tait for providing steady leadership and demonstrating a clear vision for developing provincial pathways, while Tait emphasized his commitment to building winning teams, strengthening club connections, and expanding high-performance programs. In a personal statement addressing the decision, Tait acknowledged that his hiring might bring forward concerns or uncertainty within the wider rugby community, stating that he intends to earn their trust through open communication, collaboration, and meaningful action. [link]
        • The underlying controversy traces back to April 2021, when Tait resigned as head coach and high-performance director of the Canadian Women’s Sevens team following a formal complaint filed by 37 current and former national team athletes. While an independent third-party investigation cleared Tait of violating Rugby Canada’s official 2013 bullying and harassment policies, the report affirmed that the athletes’ claims accurately reflected their lived experiences of psychological distress, leaving the national rugby community deeply divided. As a result, his rise to permanent executive leadership at BC Rugby has drawn sharp backlash from critics who feel the appointment undermines athlete safety and accountability, which directly explains why BC Rugby disabled public comments on its announcement platforms.
• Look Ahead [link]
  • Admiral National League – Welsh Premiership: The new season officially gets underway on September 12 as top domestic clubs across Wales launch their 2026/27 campaign.
  • WXV Global Series:
    • WXV 1 & WXV 2 Openers: A massive slate of fixtures kicks off on September 12, led by top-ranked England (No. 1) taking on Australia (No. 9) and World Cup contenders France (No. 4) clashing with New Zealand (No. 2). Meanwhile, Canada (No. 3) faces Scotland (No. 7), and Spain (No. 13) battles Fiji (No. 14).
    • WXV Global Challenger: WXV division play continues on September 13 with Hong Kong China (No. 17) taking on Brazil (No. 39).

Domestic

• North America
• South America
• Europe
  • Arnold Clark Premiership (SCO)
    • The opening day of Scotland’s top flight highlighted a massive gulf in class as reigning champions Stirling County crushed Cartha Queens Park 95-0 behind six tries from returning international Rachel Shankland, while runners-up Watsonians stormed past Garioch 100-10 with Cieron Bell scoring a hat-trick. Elsewhere in stage one action, Hillhead Jordanhill secured a 32-17 bonus point victory on the road against Corstorphine Cougars, and Biggar edged out Heriot’s 43-36 in a high-scoring thriller led by 17-year-old debutant Neve Murray’s hat-trick. [link]
• Oceania
  • Subrails Marama Championship (FIJ)
    • Round 6 of the Subrails Marama Championship produced explosive high-scoring battles across the board, headlined by Kadavu blowing past Rewa 102-0 and frontrunners Namosi putting up a dominant 91-7 win over Lautoka. Nadi held on to edge Nasinu 32-31 in a nail-biter, Suva grounded out a 19-10 victory over Kadavu, Macuata tipped Naitasiri 22-19, and Yasawa topped Ba 51-42 in a wild shootout. Heading out of the weekend, undefeated Namosi leads the competition at the top spot with 28 points, followed closely by Nadi with 22 points, Suva with 22 points, Nasinu with 20 points, and Naitasiri with 19 points. [link]
  • Farah Palmer Cup (NZL)
    • Round 2 of the Farah Palmer Cup  was headlined by a ruthless 67-7 statement victory from Canterbury over Bay of Plenty at Tauranga Domain. Auckland scraped past Waikato 37-36 in a single-point thriller in Hamilton, while the Manawatū Cyclones capped off the weekend by outlasting Counties Manukau 52-45 in a high-scoring Sunday shootout in Pukekohe. Over in the Championship, Wellington Pride maintained their spotless record with a 34-24 win over North Harbour, Northland Kauri held on 22-19 against Otago Spirit, and Hawke’s Bay Tui bounced back on the road with a 36-22 win over Tasman. [link]
• Africa
• Asia

Women’s Rugby Features

• USA Women’s Eagles determined to ‘express themselves’ at WXV Global Series [link]
• Historic Under 21 trans-Tasman Women’s fixture announced [link]
• Coffee fan Phillips brings rugby pedigree to Chiefs Women [link]
• Danelle Lochner: ‘We’re a much better team than the one that lost last year’ [link]
• This month, 138 of the world’s leading rugby athletes are streaming to Hong Kong from five countries on four continents for a celebration of elite women’s sport in the inaugural World Rugby WXV Challenger 2026 [link]
• “Can’t Afford to Be on the Back Foot” — Hansen on Springbok Women’s challenge [link]
• ‘What matters is that we improve’: Brazil target progress at WXV Global Series Challenger [link]
• Parole denied again to man who killed namesake of Concordia women’s rugby scholarship [link]
• Catha Jacobs highlights areas where Springbok Women need to improve against Black Ferns [link]
• Broadcasters and governing bodies make tax plea for TV coverage of women’s sport [link]
• Rugby’s Newest Rivalry [link]
• What happened the last time the Springbok Women played the Black Ferns? [link]
• USA Rugby makes key appointment ahead of landmark events on home soil [link]
• ‘Expect the unexpected’: Whitney Hansen delivers warning to Black Ferns ahead of Boks clash [link]
• WRU staff are now safer at work after ‘toxic’ culture changes, says watchdog [link]
• Swys quits Springbok Women [link]
• Irtiqa Ayoub: Kashmir’s Rugby Star breaking barriers [link]
• Where are the Yaras one week ahead of the WXV Global Series Challenger? [link]
• Ilona Maher in Chula Vista with Eagles 7s [link]
• SVNS giants join Wallabies, Wallaroos in historic Sydney quadruple-header [link]
• 10 things you need to know ahead of the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership kicking off this weekend [link]
• Black Ferns Sevens to set the scene for Sydney Bledisloe Cup Test [link]
• The Black Ferns you haven’t heard of yet [link]
• Part-time training holding back women’s rugby squad, says coach [link]
• Wales wing set for ‘fun new chapter’ as club future confirmed [link]
• John Mitchell includes exciting wing in latest Red Roses squad update [link]
• Backing women’s rugby means backing the future of sport in Aotearoa [link]
• Building Aerobic and Anaerobic Power Profiles in Dual-Season Division II Collegiate Club Women’s Rugby Players [link]

Women’s Rugby Media

• Sky Sports: Sadia Kabeya on improving competition in women’s rugby
• HG Rugby: Deconstructing Abi Tierney’s Daily Mail Interview
• Rugby Rovers: Welcome to Rugby Rovers
• Mudder Rucker: True Grit
• LTW Fancast: Tigers Women are back for the 2026-27 season (sort of?)