While not all teams will compete in both events, the new-look youth calendar will effectively now mirror the senior international HSBC SVNS series concept of back-to-back tournaments.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Condor Sevens U18s (New Zealand Secondary Schools Nationals) will be held from December 5-6 at Blake Park, Mount Maunganui.
Global Youth Sevens tournament director Phil Gaze said the Sunshine Coast event would take one of the world’s most celebrated U18 sevens competitions to one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, while uniting elite young talent internationally.
The new tournament aims to attract teams from in-state, across Australia and around the world and follows on from a successful pilot tournament on the Gold Coast back in 2023.
It also showcases the growing interest in sevens, ahead of its presence at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Global Youth Sevens has been a breeding ground for tomorrow’s rugby stars since 2016, with its flagship Auckland event consistently drawing international powerhouses like Fiji, Australia and New Zealand, as well as stunning up-and-coming national teams such as Japan and the USA.
“The Sunshine Coast edition promises to deliver that same electric atmosphere alongside the region’s world-renowned lifestyle backdrop,” Gaze said.
“Taking the Global Youth Sevens to the Sunshine Coast is a milestone we’ve been working towards for some time. This is a destination that matches our ambition – vibrant, world-class, and ready for the global stage.
“We expect this tournament to become a must-attend event on the international youth rugby calendar, along with our Auckland tournament.”
With more than 70 players from previous Global Youth Sevens tournaments having gone on to full national honours, including attending the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships, the new tournament is expected to also showcase future rugby talent.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said securing an event of this calibre was a testament to what the Sunshine Coast offers in terms of outstanding facilities, a passionate community, and a location that athletes and families want to visit.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome the world’s best young rugby sevens talent here in December 2026.”
Bokorina is a coastal suburb on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, situated within the Kawana Waters urban area and roughly halfway between Caloundra to the south and Mooloolaba to the north.