Ultimate Sevens gets World Rugby approval - Six Team league to launch in September

The confirmed plans are in place for an ambitious six-team competition that will debut in September 2026.

Backed by BIA Sports Group, the new tournament is aiming to shake up the sevens landscape with a fast-paced, franchise-based format featuring both men’s and women’s teams competing side-by-side across four European host cities. The competition will conclude with a Grand Final at Brentford FC’s Gtech Community Stadium on 24 September 2026 - the former home of London Irish in the Premiership.

More than half of the player roster has already been confirmed, with international sevens stars including Abbie Brown (Great Britain), Henry Hutchison (Australia), Lucas Lacamp (USA), Krissy Scurfield (Canada) and Thalia Costa (Brazil) signed up ahead of the inaugural player draft in July.

The six founding clubs are Albion Athletic Sevens Club, Atlantic Novas Sevens Club, Foudre Bleue Sevens Club, Pacific Current Sevens Club, Clan Taran Sevens Club and Sol Feroz Sevens Club. Ultimate Sevens is also introducing several rule innovations designed to create a more entertaining fan experience, including 10-minute non-stop matches, dynamic try conversions and tactical timeouts.

The competition has already attracted major commercial backing, with Reebok recently announced as official kit partner.

Managing Director Barney Pascall said: “Today is a defining moment for Ultimate Sevens. World Rugby approval confirms that we are not just a challenger offering, that the sport desperately needs, but a serious global championship here to capture the attention of new audiences and built with the sport’s long-term future in mind.

“We’ve secured incredible host city locations, committed the sport’s top athletes, and signed Playmaker partners who genuinely understand what we’re building. Ultimate Sevens is about elevating rugby sevens as a sport to give its world class players a global stage to perform, as well as providing fans an experience that is fast, bold and culturally relevant.”

Sport & Innovation Director Tom Mitchell added: “From day one, we’ve designed Ultimate Sevens around the elements of the game which make sevens so compelling: speed, skill and constant jeopardy. Introducing new, unique innovations that make the experience better for fans and players alike, is what sets Ultimate Sevens apart.

“We’re so excited to work with the world’s best athletes with the confidence that they can be part of this championship while also thriving in the wider Sevens ecosystem.”

Further announcements regarding fixtures, tickets and broadcast details are expected in the coming weeks.