Glory for New Zealand as Dubai 7s enthralls fans

The curtain came down on a spectacular Emirates Dubai 7s with New Zealand achieving an HSBC SVNS men’s and women’s double, while fans in attendance were treated to live music performances from legendary DJs EZ and FISHER, whose headline set at the Frequency on 8 stage proved a fitting finale for another memorable three-day festival at The Sevens Stadium.

- Khaleej Times Staff [e-mail]

New Zealand (in black) beat Australia 26-22 in the men's final. — EMIRATES DUBAI 7S

On the pitch, the conclusion of the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS Series 2025/26 was all about Australia and New Zealand as the two rugby giants collided in both the men’s and women’s finals.

New Zealand had secured their place in the men’s final courtesy of a thrilling 24-21 victory over Fiji, last year’s tournament winners, but it was far more comfortable for Australia, who beat France 14-0.

The final certainly didn’t disappoint as the two teams served up a thriller for the fans on Pitch 1, a contest which ebbed and flowed with both teams more than playing their part.