SA Student Sevens Squads Ready for 2026 FISU World Championships in Stellenbosch

Hosted by Maties Sport on behalf of University Sport South Africa (USSA) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU), this three-day tournament features 17 teams (9 Men’s and 7 Women’s) representing 14 nations.

Tournament Overview & Format

• Dates: 4–6 September 2026

• Venue: Danie Craven Stadium, Stellenbosch

• Daily Schedule: Matches run from 09:00 to 17:00 daily

• Streaming: Live broadcasts streamed via official FISU platforms

Men’s Tournament Format (9 Teams)

The men’s division features two pools:

• Pool A: South Africa (Hosts), Argentina, Chile, Mexico

• Pool B: Australia, Japan, Norway, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Teams complete a single round-robin on Friday and Saturday (4–5 September). The top seeds advance to Sunday's knockout semi-finals and medal matches (6 September).

Women’s Tournament Format (7 Teams)

The women’s division utilizes a single round-robin group stage featuring 7 nations:

• Participating Teams: South Africa, Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Japan, USA

Every team plays 6 matches across the 3 days, with overall pool standings determining Sunday afternoon’s final placement and medal fixtures.

Official Team South Africa Squads

SA Student Men’s Squad

Looking to build on their silver medal performance at the 2024 FISU Championships in France, the SA Men’s team features talent from across the country’s top varsity rugby programs.

Players

1. Leachim Adams – University of the Western Cape (UWC)

2. Aaron Swarts – University of the Western Cape (UWC)

3. Keno Alexander – University of the Western Cape (UWC)

4. John Ford – University of Johannesburg (UJ)

5. Ughan Afrika – University of Johannesburg (UJ)

6. Counlee Koekman – University of Johannesburg (UJ)

7. Christopher Kachungunu – University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

8. Ethan Manus – Sol Plaatje University (SPU)

9. Raymond Gordon – University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

10. Sithembhile Zozi – Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

11. Lukhangele Thsayi – Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

12. Van Reenen Kruger – University of Pretoria (Tuks)

Management

• Head Coach: Patrick Ross-Allen (UJ)

• Assistant Coach: Sabelo Kolanisi

• Team Manager: Lwandile Ngqwala

• Physio: Keagan Lailvaux

• Strength & Conditioning (S&C): Wolta Mtsweni (UJ)

• Head of Delegation (HOD): Bongani Mashiya (UJ)

SA Student Women’s Squad

The women's squad features a mix of local university stars, including hometown Maties players and top talent from UWC, Tuks, and UJ.

Players

1. Ankia Viljoen – Stellenbosch University (Maties)

2. Elme Kruger – Stellenbosch University (Maties)

3. Saadiqah Corbett – University of the Western Cape (UWC)

4. Marli George – University of the Western Cape (UWC)

5. Thobile Msizazwe – University of Johannesburg (UJ)

6. Lee Amber Beukes – University of the Western Cape (UWC) (Team Captain)

7. Lidené Kruger – University of Pretoria (Tuks)

8. Abigail De Jager – University of Pretoria (Tuks)

9. Siyonela Macamba – University of Johannesburg (UJ)

10. Ronecia Gordon – University of the Western Cape (UWC)

11. Thandi Fudu – University of Pretoria (Tuks)

12. Fatouma Yalcoue – University of the Western Cape (UWC)

Management

• Head Coach: Aneesa Adams

• Assistant Coach: Mervano da Silva

• Team Manager: Elize Everton

• Physio: Tshepo Letsholo

• Strength & Conditioning (S&C): Andiswa Maseko

Player Spotlight: Marli George

• Representing: University of the Western Cape (UWC)

• Hometown: Potchefstroom, North West Province

• Background: Developed through Potchefstroom Dorp Rugby Klub (PDRK), George is a key starting playmaker and primary goal-kicker for UWC. Her form earned her a call-up to the Springbok Women's Sevens training camp before securing her spot in the 2026 FISU World Championships.

Final Whistle 

With the energy building at the Danie Craven Stadium and home fans rallying behind both national teams, stands primed to leave everything on the pitch. Whether you are backing the men to secure gold or rallying behind the women’s fierce title campaign, this action-packed weekend promises elite athleticism, varsity pride, and unforgettable moments. #SAStudentSevens #FISU2026 #TeamSA #Stellenbosch2026 

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