From Olympic medallists and SVNS champions, there is no shortage of established international stars, as the inaugural competition boasts some of the biggest names in the sport. But who is the biggest marquee name of them all?

With each of the 12 teams revealing two marquee players in both their men's and women's teams, we've assembled the Ultimate Sevens ranking of the headline-makers. We've ranked all 12 men's marquee players from 12 to 1, considering their international pedigree, recent form, individual honours, influence on the sevens game and their ability to become a genuine star of this new competition.

There are some extremely difficult calls along the way — and at the very top, one player stands above the rest. Before we unveil RUCK's definitive ranking - check out all the tournament details for Ultimate Sevens.

The inaugural Ultimate Sevens Championship features six global franchises — Albion Athletic, Atlantic Novas, Clan Taran, Foudre Bleue, Pacific Current and Sol Feroz — with men's and women's teams competing side by side.

The competition will use a new 10-minute non-stop format, with straight knockout matches designed to maximise speed, attacking opportunities and constant jeopardy.

The Championship begins in Madrid on September 5, before travelling to Cardiff on September 12, Biarritz on September 18 and Brentford, London on September 24 for the Grand Final.

Now, here are the men's marquee players ranked from 12 to 1.

An exceptional aerial target and restart specialist, Kerr also brings outstanding leadership as Albion Athletic’s captain. His ability to organise and inspire a defensive system makes him an invaluable presence within a young franchise's forward trio. Complementing those qualities is his powerful carrying game, with the strength, acceleration and try-scoring threat to make a significant impact whenever he gets his hands on the ball.

A brilliant European standard-bearer, Manu Moreno earned his place in the 2025 Men's SVNS Dream Team through a combination of clever running and remarkable efficiency. The Spanish star thrives in tight spaces and offers genuine attacking quality from the forward positions. He perhaps lacks the raw physical power of some of the championship's premier heavy-carrying forwards, but remains an outstanding marquee attraction.

The ultimate standard of longevity. Tomasin's 70-plus SVNS tournaments and two Olympic campaigns provide Atlantic Novas with phenomenal experience and leadership. The USA star has also captained his country and understands the pressure of elite sevens better than almost anyone. At this stage of his career, however, his value leans more towards defensive stability and game management than the explosive, point-scoring dynamism of those higher on this list.

A physical powerhouse for New Zealand Sevens, Roderick Solo brings that highly sort after combination of size, strength and skill to the competition. His ability to absorb heavy contact and produce spectacular offloads can completely shift defensive lines. When fully fit, he is a nightmare for opponents, although injuries have occasionally interrupted his momentum compared with the more durable athletes occupying the top half of this ranking.

One of the most dangerous attacking edges in North American rugby, Lacamp possesses the elusiveness and pace to punish even the smallest defensive mistake. The USA Olympian also scored the decisive try against Fiji that secured America's return to the SVNS top tier. He remains a hugely exciting prospect, although his tactical game management is not yet at the level of those ranked higher.

A towering defensive anchor who helped France capture Olympic gold at Paris 2024, Zeghdar brings enormous physicality to Foudre Bleue. His work rate, ability to dominate contact and defensive intelligence make him one of the competition's most imposing forwards. He may not possess the attacking profile of the players above him, but few marquee players will be more difficult to play against.

The legendary captain who marshalled France to Olympic gold and subsequently earned a place in the 2025 Men's SVNS Dream Team. Riva's greatest weapon may be his decision-making. His tactical kicking, game management and composure under pressure make him a player coaches trust when matches reach their decisive moments. Foudre Bleue have a genuine leader at the heart of their men's squad.

Terio Veilawa possesses the quintessential Fijian flair that makes sevens such a spectacular sport. His stepping ability, vision and instinctive creativity allow him to unlock defences that appear completely set. The Olympic silver medallist was also selected in the 2026 Men's SVNS Dream Team, confirming his standing among the world's elite. There may be no better player at turning nothing into something.

An absolute nightmare to defend, Shilton van Wyk combines blistering top-end speed with a powerful running style perfectly suited to modern sevens. The South African Olympian was selected in the 2026 Men's SVNS Dream Team, reward for an outstanding campaign. His ability to accelerate through space and finish chances makes him one of the most dangerous attacking weapons in the entire Ultimate Sevens Championship.

A legendary three-time Olympian, Henry Hutchison's extraordinary longevity and relentless work ethic have made him one of Australia's modern sevens greats. His 2026 Dream Team selection rewards years of elite performances built on breakdown pressure, counter-rucking and exceptional rugby intelligence. One of the real veterans in the Ultimate Sevens line-ups, Hutchinson is out to prove that he still belongs among the very best the sport has to showcase, as he wrestles against the brightest sparks of this new generation.

A human bulldozer with a remarkably low centre of gravity, Luciano Gonzalez combines brute strength with explosive pace to devastating effect. The Argentine is a two-time Olympian and 2025 Men's SVNS Player of the Year, while consecutive Dream Team selections underline his elite status. In one-on-one situations, Gonzalez is almost impossible to stop, making him perhaps the most physically destructive runner in the tournament.

The undisputed king of global sevens right now. Tristan Leyds was crowned 2026 Men's SVNS Player of the Year, recognition of a season in which he established himself as the sport's outstanding all-round playmaker. His vision, passing precision, acceleration and individual running threat make him capable of controlling matches from start to finish. For RUCK, there is no debate: Leyds is the ultimate marquee player for the 2026 Championship, and Albion Athletic are delighted to have him in their ranks.