The world of rugby sevens is abuzz with excitement as the inaugural season of Ultimate Sevens prepares to kick off. With the first player draft underway, the stage is set for an action-packed tournament that promises to showcase the very best talent from across the globe.
As an avid rugby fan and analyst, I find it fascinating to witness the strategic moves made by each team as they assemble their squads. The draft process, a unique feature of Ultimate Sevens, adds an extra layer of intrigue and competition, as teams battle it out to secure the most sought-after players.
The Marquee Stars
One of the key aspects of this draft is the selection of marquee players, who bring star power and international acclaim to their respective teams. Pacific Current, for instance, has secured the services of Fijian and Australian legends Maddison Levi and Henry Hutchison, a move that will undoubtedly strengthen their squad.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the diverse range of nations represented by these marquee players. From the Pacific islands to South America and Europe, Ultimate Sevens is a true celebration of the global rugby community.
Regional Rivalries
The draft also highlights the regional rivalries that are sure to intensify as the tournament progresses. Atlantic Novas, for example, has assembled a formidable North American contingent, including USA Eagles Lucas Lacamp and Stephen Tomasin, alongside Canadian Olympic silver medalist Krissy Scurfield. This team will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with, especially with the addition of 2026 SVNS Champion Faith Nathan.
On the other hand, Albion Athletic has focused on home-grown talent, with SVNS Player of the Year Tristan Leyds leading the charge alongside Great Britain captain Charlton Kerr. This strategy of building a strong core of local players is an interesting contrast to the more international approach taken by some of the other teams.
Southern Hemisphere Influence
Clan Taran has taken a unique approach by heavily featuring players from the Southern Hemisphere. The inclusion of New Zealand duo Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Roderick Solo, alongside Aussie stars Heidi Dennis and Shilton van Wyk, showcases the team's desire to tap into the rich rugby talent pool of the region.
This strategy is a bold move, as it highlights the team's confidence in the ability of these players to adapt and thrive in a new environment. It will be intriguing to see how this Southern Hemisphere influence translates onto the pitch.
A French Revolution
Foudre Bleue has taken a different path, opting for a full contingent of French players. This decision is a testament to the strength and depth of French rugby, with Paris gold medalist Antoine Zeghdar and Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carla Neisen leading the charge.
In my opinion, this move by Foudre Bleue is a statement of intent. By relying solely on French talent, they are sending a clear message to their competitors: we believe in our own ability and don't need to look elsewhere for star power.
The Road Ahead
As the draft nears its conclusion, the stage is set for an exciting inaugural season of Ultimate Sevens. With teams finalizing their squads, the focus now shifts to the tournament itself, where we'll witness the strategies and tactics employed by each side.
The upcoming weeks will be a true test of skill, teamwork, and adaptability as these teams battle it out across four countries. Personally, I can't wait to see how the draft picks translate into on-field performances and which team emerges as the ultimate champion.
