Ultimate Sevens rugby circuit launches inaugural 2026 season across Europe

A new privately backed global rugby‑sevens competition, Ultimate Sevens, will begin its inaugural season in September 2026. Backed by BIA Sports Group with a £2 million player‑salary pool, the circuit features six regional franchise teams – Albion Athletic, Atlantic Novas, Clan Taran, Foudre Bleue, Pacific Current and Sol Feroz – and a gender‑parity format that gives men’s and women’s squads equal billing and pay.

The season comprises four knockout‑style tournament weekends in European cities: Leganés (Madrid, Spain) on 5 Sept, Cardiff Arms Park (Wales) on 12 Sept, Parc des Sports Aguilera (Biarritz, France) on 18 Sept, and a Grand Final at Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, London on 24 Sept. The schedule also highlights the participation of seven Canadian women players spread across five of the franchise squads.

Barney Pascall, Ultimate Sevens’ chief executive, said the venues were chosen for their community links and the aim to deliver a first‑class fan experience, positioning the league as a fast‑paced, high‑energy alternative to traditional rugby formats.