ES Sport Thrilled to Host New Guests, Firm 7s Fans, Clients and Old Friends at a Remarkable Sporting Event
It was a genuine pleasure to welcome so many enthusiastic guests into ES Sport’s hospitality hub at the Emirates Dubai 7s 2025 — a multi‑sport festival at its finest hour. The ‘Ankle Tap’ Lounge was alive with energy, conversation and that unmistakable 7s camaraderie from start to finish.
Now, here’s the full chapter‑and‑verse recap of what proved to be an especially remarkable weekend.
New Zealand crowned double champions at Emirates Dubai 7s 2025 opener in HSBC SVNS 2025-26 Series
- An All Blacks podium saw New Zealand triumphant as both Men’s and Women’s champions after a thrilling two‑day opener in Dubai
- New Zealand defeat Australia 26‑22 to claim men’s gold, in a back and forth final, while defending champions Fiji take third place with a 24-7 win over France
- Olympic champions New Zealand reverse 2024’s outcome to beat Australia 29‑14 in a fizzing but decisive women’s final, and Japan beat Fiji 22-12 to claim third place.
- All 16 teams now head to Cape Town for round two on 7–8 December
Emirates Dubai 7s: Detailed Highlights
Rugby sevens returned with a bang at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, thrilling immense crowds as both All Blacks men and women seized an early advantage in the HSBC SVNS standings.
The conclusion of the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS Series 2025-26 revolved around Australia and New Zealand with a collision between the two titans of rugby remarkably featuring in both finals.
Emirates Dubai 7s 2025 Men’s Final
New Zealand booked their berth in the men’s showdown as a result of a riveting 24-21 victory over last year’s tournament winners, Fiji. However, it proved an easier ride for Australia, who made short work of France 14-0 to make the final.
New Zealand ultimately snatched back the men’s trophy via a hard-fought 26‑22 victory over Australia. While last year’s defending champions Fiji secured bronze with a convincing 24‑7 win against France.
The final battle certainly lived up to expectations as the two teams produced a thriller for the fans in a match that ebbed and flowed with both teams contributing to a stellar sevens spectacle. In the end, it was New Zealand who edged it, with Jayden Keelan’s try proving decisive as they claimed the title.
Emirates Dubai 7s 2025 Women’s Final
Both finalists in the last four of the women’s competition won comprehensively. New Zealand defeated Japan 31-5, while Australia, who were pursuing a sixth consecutive Dubai title in determined fashion, swamped Fiji 31-10 to set up a repeat of last year’s contest.
Yet in this collision Australia’s previous dominance in Dubai came crashing down, their demise engineered by a ruthless New Zealand side with every intention of overturning 2024’s disappointing defeat to their long-stay opponents who took the spoils
New Zealand duly put on a dazzling display, scoring three tries in the opening seven minutes. The overall victory included two from Jorja Miller awarded ‘Player of the Final’. Miller opened her account by slicing through Australia’s defence in the first-half for her first try, to establish a 17-0 half-time lead. Although the Australians mounted a comeback late on with two second-half tries through Heidi Dennis, another Miller masterpiece, plus tries from teammates Stacey Waaka and Kelsey Teneti only served to increase the All Blacks advantage.
Unwavering intensity from New Zealand ensured that sufficient damage had already been done to prevent any real recovery by Australia and it was the All Blacks who romped home to a fully deserved 29-14 victory to secure the title.
Trophies and Commendations
The trophies were presented to the winning captains by Tim Clark, the president of Emirates airline, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, the president of the UAE Rugby Federation.
Mathew Tait, the festival’s director, was fulsome in his praise: “Congratulations to New Zealand on their outstanding victories at the HSBC SVNS. This year’s tournament once again delivered memorable days of world-class rugby, capped by a brilliant set of finals.”
What a Showpiece
The Summer Olympic Games of 2024 held in Paris proved a groundbreaking moment for rugby sevens, drawing more than 530,000 fans to the sport. That surge of interest has carried through making the HSBC SVNS 2025-26 kick-off even more eagerly anticipated — and Dubai delivered in style, with two days of relentless high intensity action on the pitch and a spectacular festival of entertainment off it.
Where Next for HSBC SVNS 2025-26
Sixteen teams moved swiftly on to Cape Town for round two on 7–8 December. The format places eight teams in two pools of four.
Men’s Pools:
A: Fiji, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa,
B: Argentina, Australia, France, Spain
Women’s Pools:
A: Fiji, Great Britain, New Zealand, USA
B: Australia, Canada, France, Japan
As announced earlier this year, the revamped HSBC SVNS 2025-26 Series includes six regular-season rounds running from November 2025 in Dubai to Vancouver, then New York – both in March, leading into a three-event HSBC SVNS World Championship series. The World Championship events will be staged in Hong Kong (17-19 Apr 2026), Valladolid (29-31 May) and Bordeaux (5-7 Jun) and will decide the line-up for the 2027 top tier.
Gulf Rugby Highlights
The Gulf divisions delivered a superb display of regional rugby strength, community pride and competitive spirit across every age group and category.
GULF COMPETITIONS
Gulf Men’s League
Dubai Hurricanes seized the title in dramatic fashion, squeezing past Bahrain RFC 24–21 in a gripping Final. Bahrain had topped the six‑team pool phase but were denied silverware once again. The Hurricanes — already UAE and West Asia Premiership champions in XVs, having beaten Bahrain seven months earlier — now hold all major regional rugby titles simultaneously.
Gulf Men’s Social
Dubai Lankans Sports Club took the Plate Final 21–14 over Dubai Sharks Super Social. Abu Dhabi Harlequins won the Shield Final 27–7 against Khobar Eagles, while O Beach Dragons 3s claimed the Bowl Final with a commanding 33–12 victory over Shaheen. Cruncher lifted the Cup after defeating a spirited Dubai Tigers Social team 24–10.
Gulf Men’s Open
Lanka Lions beat Band of Misfits 17–5 in a lively Cup Final. Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors overpowered Dubai Tigers Open 33–14 in the Plate Final, while Riyadh Falcons swept past Dubai Tuskers RFC 38–5 in the Bowl Final.
Gulf Vets
Dubai Exiles fought to overcome Dubai Sharks 14–7 in a gritty Cup Final. Al Ain Amblers produced a polished performance to win the Plate Final 24–10 over Abu Dhabi Harlequins.
Gulf Women’s
Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1 capped their strong form with a 27–7 win over Dubai Hurricanes 1 Ladies in the Cup Final. DRFC Ladies secured the Plate Final 17–12 against all‑Emirati side Al Maha.
SCHOOLS & AGE‑GRADE RUGBY
Gulf Under 19 Boys
Bahrain Rugby Club Colts beat Dubai Sharks 26–5 in the Bowl Final. Dubai Exiles defeated Nord Anglia School Dubai 29–10 in the Plate Final. The Cup Final delivered a thrilling all‑Dubai contest, with DESS College narrowly beating Dubai College A 19–17.
Gulf Under 19 Girls
DESS College B beat ADH/EFR Babas 26–7 in the Plate Final. Dubai College then claimed the Cup Final with a one-score 14–12 win over DESS College in another tense derby.
UAE National Schoolboys
Future Academy – Al Ain dominated the Plate Final with a 48–0 win over Al Rayaheen School Al Ain. ENS Al Ain added another victory in the Cup Final, defeating Al Maaref School Dubai 20–10.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
International Invitation Men
South Sevens Rugby won the Plate Final 25–10 against Monaco Impi’s. Speranza 22 claimed the Cup Final with a lively 19–5 victory over Shogun RFC.
International Invitation Women
Poland edged Lydon Vaquita Hammerheads 21–17 in the Plate Final. Australia A Women became champions after a razor‑thin 14–12 win over Brasil 7s in the Cup Final.
International Open Men
Sri Lions delivered a dominant Cup Final performance, beating Wyvern Harlequins 36–7.
International Open Women
Monaco Umusa secured the Cup Final with a strong 31–17 win over Hong Kong China Dragons.
International Social
UUDS Tuskers earned a robust Cup Final victory 28–5 against Black Goats. OG 7s edged Looseheadz 7s 14–12 in the Plate Final.
International Social Women
Dambusters looked good value for their 17–7 Plate Final triumph over Thursday Night Lights. Looseheadz 7s took the Cup Final 10–5 against Chameleons Rugby.
International Vets
The Warriors of Abu Dhabi pulled clear after a cagey start to beat The Barefoot Project 29–7 in the Cup Final.
International Vets Social
Gulf Leg’Ends delivered consistent performances to win the Plate Final 17–7 over BraveMind. Froggies Club Vet edged Airbus A3XV 7–0 in a defensively dominated Cup Final.
International Under 19s Boys
Cavaliers Rugby Academy delivered a commanding performance in the Cup Final, defeating All Stars 31–7. In the 13PO Final, SA Warriors faced Top Skole 7’s Rugby, though the result was not published. The 11PO Final saw KZN Barbarians secure a decisive 20–0 victory over Blitz Panthers. Peregrines beat Eminence 7s Invitational by a whisker 19–17 in a tightly contested Bowl Final. The 7PO Final was dominated by North American Lions, who overpowered Central SA Invitational 36–0. Rounding out the division, Pontacq Seven sealed the Plate Final with a 24–19 win against Ferdie’s 7’s.
Netball Recap
Netball continues to be a festival favourite at The Sevens Stadium, with a full programme of youth and open‑age fixtures contributing to the vibrant atmosphere around the courts. The Open Youth Netball tournament delivered spirited contests, while the Under 11 and Under 19 divisions brought together schools from across the UAE and beyond. Strong performances were seen across the age groups, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity and presence within the wider festival.
Open Women Netball
A gripping final packed with pivotal moments saw Elandr Titans eventually take the honours, defeating King’s College Netball Club 13–9.
Open Mixed Netball
Magpies began in an evenly balanced contest but pulled away in the latter stages to defeat American Stars 10–5 in the Cup Final.
Gulf Women Netball
The Plate Final was an energetic, highly charged affair, with an in‑form Dubai Sharks Hammerheads snatching the prize from Barrelhouse Stormers 11–8. A rare old tussle in the Bowl Final saw the Eagles push ahead to beat DHCM Dragonflies 8–6. Dubai Sharks Mako then surged into top gear in the Cup Final, posting a 10–4 victory over Evo Netball Qatar.
Open Women Social Netball
Hamra Hurricanes delivered a confident performance to take the Plate Final 13–4 against Sharq Storm. DGNC Sparkles were clinical in the Bowl Final, downing the Desert Foxes 7–2. A high‑scoring, rollercoaster Cup Final ended with OG Sevens running out trophy winners over Assassins, 14–11.
Open Youth Netball
Eminence Embrace secured the Cup Final in commanding fashion, rolling over DESS College 18–8. In the Plate Final, Dubai College 2 outclassed Manchester Thunder UAE B with a composed 9–3 win. A finely balanced Bowl Final went down to the wire, with Central SA Invitational edging Hereford Sixth Form College Netball 10–9.
Youth Aspire
Dubai College 3 captured a back‑and‑forth Cup Final against Jumeirah College, winning 13–8. The Plate Final proved a much tighter affair, with DESS College finally pipping Nord Anglia School 9–8. Manchester Thunder UAE claimed the Shield Final in a comprehensive 8–2 victory over Capital Fever. A tense 19/20 Play‑Off Final saw Sharjah English School triumph 9–8 against British School Al Khubairat, while The English College secured the 17/20 Play‑Off Final with an 8–4 win over Dubai British School Emirates Hills. In the Bowl Final, Dubai Exiles overpowered Bahrain Rugby Club Netball 9–5.
Cricket Recap
Cricket at the Emirates Dubai 7s brought together competitive fixtures and a vibrant festival atmosphere, with youth tournaments showcasing emerging talent from schools across the region. The sport added to the event’s multi‑disciplinary appeal, sitting alongside rugby, netball, padel and fitness competitions to create a diverse and engaging programme for players and spectators alike. This blend of grassroots participation and high‑energy festival spirit contributed to cricket’s growing presence within the wider multi‑sport weekend.
Cricket Open Competitive
Legends Academy dominated a fast-scoring Plate Final to emerge with an 80 – 60 triumph over Emirates IT. Back on Oval 1, GM Bulldogs settled the Cup Final contest in their favour with a narrow 77 – 72 win over Bharat Army.
Cricket Open Social
The Plate Final seesawed throughout before Al Ain Amblers managed to snatch a single‑run victory over Dulsco Group Dragons, 46–45. DESS College battled their way through a Bowl Final of similarly fine margins, squeezing past Dubai Hurricanes Hot Shots 56–55. In the 25/28 Play‑Off Final, Sharjah English School saw off Pirates 3rd XI with a composed 66–59 win. Savannah Lions dug deep in the Cup Final, finding a way to overcome GM (G)olddogs and claim the trophy 57–54.
Wodon Recap
Results for the WODON3 divisions were not published at the time of writing. As such, no confirmed outcomes are currently available for:
Despite the absence of official results, the WODON3 arena once again delivered its trademark energy, community spirit and high‑intensity workouts, adding a vibrant fitness dimension to the wider Emirates Dubai 7s.
Padel Recap
Padel, introduced in 2023, has quickly become one of the flagship sports at the Emirates Dubai 7s. The 2025 Rebound tournament, delivered in partnership with Viya Padel, once again brought high‑energy action to the festival’s dedicated padel courts. Youth divisions also impressed across the age groups, reflecting the sport’s growing grassroots momentum. The rapid rise of padel was clear from the packed sidelines, where families and friends embraced its fast‑paced action as part of the wider festival atmosphere.
Padel C +
The Samba Boys sealed the Cup Final with a composed 9–6 victory over It’s Zalal Time.
Padel C-/C
An in‑form Old Danish team overcame their closest rivals Jeff’s, taking the Cup Final 9–6.
Padel Open D
Treo and Seb & Spencer had been neck‑and‑neck through the opening rounds, but it was Seb & Spencer who found another gear in the Cup Final, securing a 9–5 win.
Festival Atmosphere
The entertainment programme was every bit as spectacular as the sport. Global headliners Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul, Shaggy and DJ EZ lit up the stages, delivering non‑stop party energy across all three days. Fans were also treated to sets from celebrated DJs, including FISHER, whose headline performance at Frequency on 8 closed the festival in emphatic style. The blend of world‑class rugby, multi‑sport action and chart‑topping music once again reaffirmed the Emirates Dubai 7s as the Middle East’s premier sports and entertainment festival.
A Fond Farewell to a Remarkable Emirates Dubai 7s — Until Next Year
As the final whistle faded across the festival grounds, ES Sport was proud to have shared another unforgettable Emirates Dubai 7s with guests old and new. Our hospitality space — the Ankle Tap Lounge — became a vibrant meeting point where conversations flowed, friendships rekindled and the spirit of the 7s thrived. To everyone who joined us across the weekend, your energy and enthusiasm helped shape a truly exceptional edition of this iconic event.
We look forward to welcoming you back you next year for more world-class sport, entertainment and shared moments of magic.
