Match schedule confirmed for HSBC SVNS opener in Dubai

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Organisers of the Emirates Dubai 7s have announced the pools and match schedule for the men’s and women’s rugby tournaments at the opening leg of HSBC SVNS 2025.

The action kicks off on November 30 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai, with 12 top international teams competing across two days. It’s the first major sevens event since the Paris 2024 Olympics, which drew over half a million fans.

Saturday's matches will be played on Pitches 1 and 2, with the top two teams in each pool, plus the best third-place sides, advancing to the quarterfinals.

Sunday's finals will feature the women’s cup at 7:35 pm and the men’s cup at 8:11 pm, followed by the awards ceremony. UK artist Stormzy will close the weekend with a performance at 9:30 pm.

Women’s Tournament

Day 1 kicks off with newly crowned Olympic champions New Zealand taking on Brazil at 9:00 am on Pitch 2, while silver medallists Canada open against Japan on Pitch 1.

The morning session also includes major encounters including USA v Great Britain (9:22), Ireland v Fiji (9:44) and Australia against HSBC SVNS newcomers China (9:44). 

Other schedule highlights include a repeat of the Olympic final between New Zealand and Canada at 16:07, France taking on Olympic bronze medallists, the USA at 16:51, and Australia versus Ireland at 17:35.

Men’s Tournament

Kicking off the men’s tournament on Day 1 will be the All Blacks taking on the USA at 10:06 am. At 10:28 am fans can expect an all-South American affair between 2023 / 2024 Series League Winners, Argentina and resilient Uruguay.

Following a hattrick of successive Emirates Dubai 7s triumphs, South Africa will take on Australia at 10:50 am. 

An action-packed Day 1 concludes with the final round of the Pool phase where Fiji takes on the All Blacks, Argentina face Ireland and finally, Olympic Champions, France take on South Africa at 20:44.

Fans can enjoy live music after Saturday’s matches, with British pop group Sugababes performing at the 'Rugby Rocks' stage.

The weekend will also feature a number of invitational events, including 16 rugby tournaments, 6 netball competitions, cricket, fitness events, and padel tennis, with nearly 6,500 athletes taking part. Fans can also attend masterclasses with professional sports ambassadors.

 

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