"VAN" (Sports Desk - 06.05.2025) :: New Zealand women and South Africa men were crowned HSBC SVNS 2025 champions after securing stirring victories at the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles. South Africa claimed their fifth men’s Series title, and first since 2021 by beating a valiant Spanish side 19-5 to bring down the curtain on the 2025 international rugby sevens season. Selvyn Davids was named HSBC Player of the Match and scored the opening try from deep to break the deadlock. Spain's captain Pol Pla brought his team to within two points with a fine try but Mfundo Ndhlovu extended South Africa's advantage and Ricardo Duarttee scored in the dying seconds. South Africa Head Coach Philip Snyman said: "The team never stopped believing. They played five phenomenal games and were unstoppable. This team can go places. I am very proud of them." Spain were ranked tenth in 2024 and have never won a Series event so silver medals represent impressive progress. The women’s final featured Olympic gold medallists New Zealand and reigning SVNS champions Australia who have played out some epic encounters over this SVNS Series. New Zealand added more silverware to their collection as they beat Australia for the fourth time in a row to win the World Championship Already SVNS League winners, they proved too strong for a young but immensely talented Australia team. HSBC Player of the Match Jorja Miller scored a marvellous try to get her team going, picking up from her own 22 to score her 29th of the season and the Black Ferns Sevens went on to show their dominance with a 31-7 final score. New Zealand captain Sarah Hirini said: "Man, that feels good. After the Olympic gold medal we wanted to show we are a great team and to us that was winning the League and winning the [World Championship] Series and we did it." New Zealand overcame SVNS league winners Argentina 38-17 to take men’s bronze, while hosts the USA were unable to replicate their Olympic bronze medal winning exploits on home soil as they were beaten 27-7 by Olympic silver medallists Canada in the women’s bronze medal match.
On Tue, May 6, 2025