Fiji defeated France 21–12 in the men’s Cup Final at the 2026 HSBC SVNS Singapore at National Stadium on 1 February 2026 in Singapore.
Photo: World Rugby / Alex Ho
Fiji dominated the men’s competition at the Singapore 7s, with three comeback wins to successfully defend their title.
The Fijians defeated France 21-12 after they had trailed 12-0 at halftime.
The win gives them their second title in a row at the tournament, the first time they have done that. It also gives them the lead on the HSBC SVNS men’s points table, with New Zealand and South Africa both losing out in their semifinals.
Fiji had recorded a 24-19 come from behind win over South Africa in their last pool game on Saturday night before they also beat New Zealand 21-14, also coming from behind to claim the victory.
Fijian captain Jerry Matana praised his players post-match and said they had done the hard yards pre-tournament and deserved the win.
“It’s amazing, glory to the man above,” he said.
“So proud of the boys and I thank the boys for their hard work. We gave away points in the final and some of our other games but we came back stronger back.
“Thank you to all our families and friends back at home. This is your team and the win is for you all.”
Speedster Viwa Naduvalo was named ‘Player of the Final’ for the second consecutive year after another great performance in the final and a consistent showing throughout the two days.
He commended the team’s spirit and unity for the back-to-back title win.
“I would like to thank God for giving us the victory and credit to the boys for working together and coming up with the win,” Naduvalo, who opened the scoring for the Fijians in the final, said.
“I made my debut here and it’s like I am playing at home.
“Thank you also to my wife and kid and to all our families for your support. This victory is for all of us.”
Naduvalo and rover George Bose were seen with their tears rolling down their faces as the Fijian national anthem was sung before the opening whistle.
As is their custom now in the finals they play in, the Fijian men lifted the young ball boy that ran the match-ball on the field and hoisted him above them as they said their last prayer before the game kicked off.
But France started early and showed they were keen to write their own history this time around, in their first final appearance at the event.
The 2024 Olympic Games sevens rugby gold medallists went to work from the first scrum of the game after Naduvalo was ruled to have knocked the ball on from his aerial attempt to reclaim the kick-off from Terio Velawa’s high kick.
A forward pass denied France what could have been their opening try just in the first 50 seconds of the game but giant Jordan Sepho was on the scoresheet after his try in the 5th minute.
Enahemo Artaud converted that for an early 7-0 lead, which was extended by captain Paul Riva in the 8th minute, giving Frace a 12-0 lead at halftime.
Joseva Talacolo was a menace for France with his hassling and the Fijian forward pack claimed two consecutive turnovers from scrums.
Wiorkin together on defense, the Fijians managed to hold the ball up in a maul in the the second spell, holding the ball carrier up long enough to win a scrum.
That led to their first try by Naduvalo midway in the second spell.
Velawa converted that and the second try by replacement forward Kavekini Tanivanuakula in the 12th minute, which suddenly gave the defending champions a 14-12 lead.
As time tracked on quickly towards fulltime replacement halfback Filipo Bukayaco had the last say, diving over the tryline after he picked up the ball from the base of a ruck and sliced his way past the French would be tacklers to claim the winner.
That was after some good work from replacement Manueli Maisamoa and debutant Nacani Boginisoko, who was impressive in his first international outing.
New Zealand claimed the women’s title with a big 36-7 win over Australia in the final.
The two powerhouses had met in the previous two finals this season with New Zealand title winners in Dubai before Australia reigned supreme in Cape Town.
On Sunday it was the Black Ferns Sevens who took the honours, which the team dedicated to honour the memory of those who died in the recent landslides at Mount Maunganui.
Fijiana women finished sixth at the event, losing by three points to France.
France won the clash 17-14 and led 12-7 at the break.
Veteran Fijiana playmaker Reapi Uluinasau scored twice in the clash.
The HSBC SVNS series now heads to Perth for the fourth tournament this coming weekend.
Fiji now leads the men’s competition with 52 points, followed by New Zealand on 48, with South Africa on France tied on 46 points each.
New Zealand have taken the outright lead in the women’s competition, leading with 58 points, two more than Australia in second spot.
Fijiana is on seventh position, with 32 points, dropping from sixth position before the weekend’s tournament.