The Danie Craven stadium was buzzing with excitement as the finals of the FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens Championship saw home team South Africa take down Uganda in a thrilling match that ended 34-7 while an emphatic Canada side beat France 20-0 in the women’s final.

Spectators from various countries filled the stands with rugby lovers, young fans and student-athletes waiting to witness who will be crowned champions in 2026. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation, and the rugby action did not disappoint.

Some of the best action in Stellenbosch


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Women’s Semifinals

Australia vs Canada
Canada were in command in the early stages of the semi-final against a tough Australian team, they led 12-0 at halftime and remained determined on securing a spot in the final. The Aussies did not go down without a fight scoring two tries in the second half but falling short, the game ended 14-19 to Canada.

Japan vs France
France struck early with two tries within the first two minutes with hopes of defeating the reigning champions. However, Japan creeped closer to France’s lead by halftime with the scores at a narrow 7-15 to the French. It was not meant to be for Japan as France ran away with 23-12 win.

Men’s Semifinals

South Africa vs Japan
An electric start to the game as both teams scored a try a piece but the hosts South Africa edged ahead in the game after being behind with two quick tries in succession ending the first half with a commanding 19-5 scoreline. The hosts continued their flurry of try-scoring and booked their spot in the final after a triumphant 38-5 win.

Uganda vs Argentina
Uganda went into the break with a 10-0 lead in a low-scoring encounter as Argentina were a player down due to a yellow card. Argentina came back strong in the second half with two tries and conversions, but Uganda scored a try in the dying minutes of the game handing them a 17-14 win at the final whistle.

An epic women’s final

The future rugby sevens university world champions Canada, ready to take on any opponent!

Canada made it back-to-back final appearances hoping to better their silver medal from Aix Marseille Provence in 2024. This time, they were facing France. From the kick-off, Canada got onto the scoreboard early with two tries by Ava van Santen taking the game from their opponents and showing their intent for gold. Van Santen went on to make it a hattrick of tries with the French yet to make a dent to the score by halftime, 15-0 to Canada. Canada would remain in the driver’s seat with Van Santen having a standout performance adding another try to her tally and securing gold for her country. An outstanding performance by the Canadians, earning the bragging rights and title as champions, full-time score 20-0.

Ava Van Santen who has scored the most tries in the tournament (12) and had the most individual points overall (60), had this to say after Canada were crowned champions: “My team got me the ball in the space and I did my thing – I finished. I did my job but they had to do their jobs first. I love South Africa and I had a blast here!”

Van Santen’s future goal is to one day play in the Sevens Series with continued building and hard work to pursue the sport professionally.

Determined to have a podium finish, Japan secured victory against Australia and the bronze medal with a 22-5 victory. 

The green and gold steal the show in the men’s final

The hosts South Africa, ready to shine on home soil.

The hosts South Africa, backed by their supporters were eager to snatch the gold medal after losing out to France in 2024. In the all-African final taking place for the first time on African soil, the opponents Uganda were unbeaten leading to the clash. Uganda were the first to score with a team try by Stuart Mwayi silencing the home support, but South Africa levelled the scores soon after. The game was neck-and-neck, with both teams attacking but it was the green and gold who took the lead through Aaron Swartz and further punished Uganda with two tries in quick succession by Leachim Adams (his second of the game) and Aaron Swartz once again before the halftime whistle. South Africa led at halftime by 24-7. South Africa started the second half with another try by Leachim Adams securing a hattrick of tries in the gold match showdown. The hosts would run away with the game and secure the top spot and elusive gold medal in front of their ecstatic home crowd, the match ended 34-7.

Leachim Adams shone throughout the tournament and scored the most tries (8) and had the most individual points overall (40), he had this to say after South Africa claimed gold: “We built up to the final which we played very well in, nothing would be possible without my team,” he said.

In the bronze medal game, Japan received an early yellow card and played with a man down, the South American outfit took advantage soon after with two tries. The Japanese hit back with two tries of their own to stay in the game at halftime, trailing by two (14-12). The lead exchanged twice in a tight match up, but Argentina finished with the podium spot, final score 28-26.

The final standings:

Women’s tournament
1. Canada
2. France
3. Japan
4. Australia
5. Ireland
6. USA
7. South Africa
8. Botswana

Men’s tournament

1. South Africa

2. Uganda
3. Argentina
4. Japan
5. Australia
6. Chile
7. Zimbabwe
8. Mexico
Norway

The Stellenbosch 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens took place from 4-6 September.

All competitions were streamed live for all you rugby fans out there. To rewatch click here.

Click here to access photos and highlights.
Click here to get all the results.

For all information and further updates, follow the event on Facebook and Instagram @FISURugby7s, visit the event’s website or follow’s FISU’s social platforms on @FISU.

The Stellenbosch 2026 FISU World University Championship Rugby Sevens is now officially over. We could like to congratulate all the student-athletes and coaches and thank the referees, volunteers, partners, and supporters for their enthusiasm and hard work.

The FISU World University Championship 2026 season is now in full swing. Tune on to the Doha 2026 FISU World University Championship Weightlifting that is taking place in Qatar from 8-12 September.

All competitions will be streamed live
Click here to watch.
Click here to access photos and highlights!
Click here to get all the results!

You can find out more information on the event’s official website and on its social media outlets, Instagram and Facebook.

And also on FISU’s social media outlets, Instagram and Facebook.

Written by Kimara Singh Ruiters