South Africa Wins Men's SVNS Title Over Fiji in NY Final

South Africa clinched the 2025-26 Men's HSBC SVNS Series title on Sunday by edging Fiji 10-7 in a tense Cup Final at the New York Sevens tournament, held at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The victory capped the regular season and secured the overall championship for the Blitzboks, who entered the weekend tied with Fiji atop the standings at 86 points.

The matchup doubled as a series decider, with the higher finisher claiming the crown and exemption from relegation in the upcoming World Championships. South Africa struck first in the men's final through a try by Selvyn Davids in the opening half, converted to give them a 7-0 lead. They extended the advantage early in the second half when Tristan Leyds scored, though the conversion attempt failed, making it 10-0. Fiji mounted a comeback with a try from Terio Veilawa in the 11th minute, which he converted to narrow the gap to 10-7 with two minutes left. The Fijians pressed hard in the closing stages, gaining possession inside South Africa's 22-meter line, but a knock-on by replacement Kavekini Tanivanuakolo with 10 seconds remaining ended their hopes. South Africa's Ronald Brown then kicked the ball out to...