The Black Ferns Sevens are gearing up to defend their Singapore title, with head coach Cory Sweeney naming a preliminary 20-player squad for the 2026 tournament.

Building on Success

New Zealand dominated the women's competition in Singapore 2025, going undefeated throughout the weekend and defeating Australia 31-19 in a thrilling final.

"That win was special, but we're not resting on our laurels," said captain Sarah Hirini. "Every team will be gunning for us, and we need to be ready."

Squad Announcement

The preliminary squad features several Olympic gold medalists alongside exciting young talent:

Veteran Leadership

Rising Stars

Women's Sevens Growth

The women's game has seen explosive growth in recent years, with increased investment, media coverage, and participation at grassroots levels.

"It's an exciting time for women's rugby," said Sweeney. "The standard keeps rising, which pushes everyone to be better. Singapore is always a great test of where we're at."

Key Rivals

Australia

The perennial rivals will be seeking revenge after last year's final defeat. With home crowd advantage in the Asia-Pacific region, they're always dangerous.

France

Les Bleues have been steadily climbing the world rankings and possess a powerful forward pack combined with elusive backs.

USA

The Americans bring athleticism and physicality, making them a threat to any team on their day.

Fiji

The Fijiana have been making waves with their attacking flair and will be looking to cause upsets.

Training Schedule

The squad will undergo a rigorous preparation program:

Olympic Pathway

For many players, Singapore 2026 represents a crucial step on the pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Strong performances here will be vital for selection.

"Every tournament matters," added Hirini. "We're building towards LA 2028, and Singapore is a big part of that journey. We want to arrive in peak condition and show the world what we're capable of."