Brazil and Belgium Shock the Rugby World: A New Era Dawns in Sevens
The São Paulo SVNS 2 tournament delivered a weekend of upsets, crowning Brazil as Women’s Champions and Belgium as Men’s Champions. These victories weren’t just about titles; they secured crucial qualification spots for the inaugural SVNS World Championship Series, setting the stage for a thrilling new chapter in international rugby sevens.
South American Powerhouses Rise
Brazil’s women’s team, As Yaras, overcame significant hurdles to qualify, overtaking China and defeating Kenya in a nail-biting final. Veteran Thalia Costa led the charge, earning the Women’s Player of the Tournament award after scoring a double in the final alongside teammate Camila Carvalho. This win places Brazil alongside Argentina, South Africa, and Spain as South America’s representatives in the World Championship Series.
Uruguay’s men’s team also secured their place in the championship series with a hard-fought victory over Belgium. This success means South America will have two teams competing in the women’s competition, signaling a growing strength in rugby within the continent.
Belgium’s Unexpected Triumph
Even as Uruguay’s qualification was a direct result of their performance in São Paulo, Belgium’s journey was more complex. Despite losing to Uruguay, a win by Kenya against Uruguay handed Belgium the Men’s Championship title in São Paulo. Ryan Godsmark, Belgium’s Scotsman player, was named Men’s Player of the Tournament, acknowledging the team’s impressive turnaround after facing challenges following their promotion from HSBC SVNS 3.
The Road to the SVNS World Championship Series
The SVNS World Championship Series will kick off in Hong Kong in April, followed by legs in Valladolid, Spain, and Bordeaux, France. The qualified teams – USA, Germany, Kenya, and Uruguay (Men) and Argentina, Spain, South Africa, and Brazil (Women) – will join established rugby nations like New Zealand, Australia, USA, France, Canada, Fiji, Japan, and Great Britain in a battle for supremacy.
The qualification process, spanning the Nairobi SVNS 2, Montevideo SVNS 2, and São Paulo SVNS 2 tournaments, has created a diverse and competitive field for the World Championship Series.
Qualified Teams at a Glance
| Men’s World Championship Series Qualified | Women’s World Championship Series Qualified |
| USA | Argentina |
| Germany | Spain |
| Kenya | South Africa |
| Uruguay | Brazil |
What Does This Indicate for the Future of Rugby Sevens?
The results in São Paulo demonstrate a shift in the landscape of international rugby sevens. Traditionally dominant nations now face increased competition from emerging powerhouses like Brazil and Uruguay. This increased competitiveness promises a more exciting and unpredictable World Championship Series.
The success of teams like Belgium, who overcame initial challenges after promotion, highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in the fast-paced world of sevens rugby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the SVNS World Championship Series?
A: It’s a three-tournament series (Hong Kong, Valladolid, Bordeaux) featuring the top teams in international rugby sevens.
Q: How did Brazil qualify for the World Championship Series?
A: They won the São Paulo SVNS 2 tournament and improved their overall standings across the Nairobi and Montevideo SVNS 2 tournaments.
Q: Who was named Men’s Player of the Tournament in São Paulo?
A: Ryan Godsmark of Belgium.
Q: Which South American teams qualified for the Women’s World Championship Series?
A: Argentina and Brazil.
Did you know? The São Paulo SVNS 2 tournament marked the final event in the SVNS 2 series, determining the last qualifying teams for the World Championship Series.
Explore more about the HSBC SVNS Series and upcoming tournaments here.
