The world of rugby sevens is a vibrant and dynamic arena, and as we look ahead to the inaugural season of Ultimate Sevens, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the future. But let's not forget the stars who are already making their mark in the current season, shining brightly in various regional competitions around the globe. From Japan to Kenya, New Zealand to South Africa, the sevens stars are leaving their indelible mark, and RugbyPass is here to take you on a journey through the weekend's rugby action, where you can catch a glimpse of these exceptional athletes in action.
Japan's Shining Stars
In the heart of Japan, the 2026 Taiyo Seimei Women's Sevens is reaching its climax. The defending champions, Nagato Blue Angels, are favorites to retain their title after topping the ladder. What makes this team truly remarkable is the talent that surrounds the MVP, Mackenzie Davis. The Blue Angels are a force to be reckoned with, boasting a lineup that includes fellow Australians Amahlia Hala and Kahli Henwood, Fiji's Ana Naimasi, Chinese Olympian Chen Keyi, and Brazil's star Bianca Silva. The depth of their talent is truly impressive, and they will be a tough nut to crack for the other national sides.
However, the Mie Pearls, Nippon Sport Science University, and Nanairo Prism Fukuoka are not far behind. The Pearls, in particular, are a force to be reckoned with, featuring a star-studded lineup that includes Aussie Heidi Dennis, GB 7s star Ellie Boatman, and Canada's Monique Coffey, among others. The competition for the top spot is fierce, and the final in Sapporo promises to be an exhilarating spectacle.
Kenya's Rising Stars
In Kenya, the National Sevens Circuit is heating up, with an abundance of local talent taking center stage. The defending champions, KCB, faced a challenging weekend, going down to Kenya Harlequins 14-12 in the quarterfinals. This result saw them drop to second place on the overall table, with Kabras Sugar climbing to the top. The competition will recommence this weekend for the third round at the Kabeberi 7s