Australia Completes Sevens Double at HSBC SVNS Valladolid 2026
Australia made history at the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Valladolid, securing a historic sevens double as both the men’s and women’s teams claimed gold medals. The victory marked a dominant performance by the Australian squad, capping off an impressive tournament with back-to-back titles.
Men’s Final: Australia 26–19 South Africa
In a thrilling men’s final, Australia overcame a 14-0 deficit to defeat South Africa 26–19. The teams were locked at 14-14 at halftime, but Australia’s resilience shone through in the second half. The victory came amid tense moments, including a red card for James Turner, which forced the team to defend fiercely in the closing stages. The men’s team, led by coach Liam Barry, remained undefeated throughout the tournament, showcasing their dominance by defeating South Africa in the final after a hard-fought semi-final against Fiji. Their performance solidified their position at the top of the World Championship ladder with one round remaining.
Women’s Final: Australia 27–14 USA
The women’s team also delivered a commanding performance, defeating the United States 27–14 in the final. Heidi Dennis was named Player of the Final, scoring a