Bold claim: a new wave of HSBC SVNS rookies is redefining what the series can become, and missing them might mean missing the future of sevens. But here’s where it gets controversial: some veteran pundits argue pedigree still matters more than breakout speed. This piece introduces four fresh talents who burst onto the Dubai stage and are set to shape Cape Town’s chapter of the HSBC SVNS Series.
Four HSBC SVNS rookies to watch
Former England and Great Britain 7s captain and Olympic silver medalist Tom Mitchell spotlights a quartet of rising stars who turned heads at the season’s opening stop. While some teams gambled boldly, others leaned on established pathways to nurture new talent. Argentina rolled the dice with five new players, and GB Women unveiled 11 fresh caps—young players stepping into the HSBC SVNS spotlight for the first time.
Will Cartwright
Australia’s new speedster fired from the starting gun in the Dubai opener, bagging three tries in the first five games. He even notched a brace against France to push his team toward the final. His blistering pace, especially in two semi-final moments against the Kiwis, showcased a winger who can outrun defenders at will.
Cartwright’s best moment might be his first national anthem before a final, but it’s his in-and-out maneuver in that same match that will be replayed in tutorials for aspiring wingers. A clip of his try is already circulating as a blueprint for aspiring attackers. He’s transitioning from club rugby in July to a September showcase event, and sevens fans can expect more fireworks as he climbs toward full professional status.
Luca Mignot
Mignot arrived on rugby’s grandest sevens stage after earning his first French cap last weekend. His journey has spanned South America and invitations with notable sides like Seventees and the Ramblin Jesters. He sharpened his craft at Safari 7s in Nairobi and in Extensio SuperSeries with the French Barbarians, preparing him for the world stage.
This ascent reflects France’s broader collaboration between the FFR and LNR, which is cultivating a sevens pipeline capable of producing a genuine cornerstone for France’s national setup.
Apete Narogo
Narogo hails from Fiji’s famed talent stream and has long been drawn to sevens since childhood. He’s spoken about skipping school to chase tournaments, a decision that coaches like Osea Kolinisau once celebrated as a sign of true commitment. Narogo’s first попробовать score came from a setup with teammate Terio Veilawa—the kind of moment that hints at more dazzling Fiji-barrel talent to come.
When Fiji exports a fresh burst of flair, the heart-rate elevates for fans, and Narogo’s first try was a telltale teaser of the exciting years ahead from the island nation’s rich sevens tradition.
Nalu Liufau
The USA’s breakout star among the women’s competition was Florinalaula’au “Nalu” Liufau. She burst onto the scene with a shocking victory over New Zealand in the group stage, signaling a resilient, growing American squad. Liufau’s speed, power, and enthusiasm echo her club roots with Belmont Shore, a renowned Californian program.
Her confident presence—complete with cultural pride and a sunny demeanor—positions her as a key piece for Emilie Bydwell’s squad as they gear up for LA28 and beyond.
Braxton Sorensen-McGee
This entry isn’t exactly an underdog story, but it’s equally compelling. Sorensen-McGee arrives with a high-profile pedigree, having been named the World Rugby XVs Breakthrough Player of the Year for 2025. Her standout performance at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 included back-to-back hat-tricks, and veteran Portia Woodman-Wickliffe praised her composure and maturity.
These traits will serve her well as she competes across eight HSBC SVNS events. Used strategically off the bench by coach Cory Sweeney, Sorensen-McGee has already hinted at the ceiling she can reach, with more to come from this polished, try-scoring threat.
Controversial take and invitation to discuss: do these rookies prove that sevens’ future belongs to fearless, fast athletes who may not arrive with the most polished résumés, or do they simply reflect a temporary wave that coaching systems can sustain with the right development tracks? Which of these players do you think will become the defining star of the season, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments.
