2026 FISU World Championship Rugby Sevens

Dear student-athletes, dear friends,

I am delighted to welcome you to [name of host city], for the 2026 FISU World Championship Rugby Sevens.

I would like to address you first, dear student-athletes, who are and who always be the beating heart of FISU. 

Competing at the World University Championships is a career highlight for many of you. For others, it is a step up to the next level of performance. What you all have in common is your love of sport, your commitment, your fair play and your respect. You come together as rivals, from different places and different backgrounds, but you will almost certainly leave as friends.

Despite the challenging times we are all facing, you remind us of the special power of young people to reassure us that a better world is possible. You remind us of the need to prioritise sport, sustainability, inclusivity and healthy social exchange. FISU firmly believes that university athletes are the role models and future leaders the world needs.

Over the following 3 days, you will compete alongside some of the best student-athletes on the planet. The FISU World University Championships demand skill, athleticism, and single-minded determination to do your best. But beyond the competition, FISU urges you to have fun. May you return home with memories that will last a lifetime!

None of FISU’s events would be possible without the generosity of our hosts. I want to extend our sincere gratitude to the National University Sports Federation of South Africa, the organisers for their dedication and the volunteers for their passion.

FISU is also grateful for the ongoing support of the International Sports Federations. Together, we aim to provide the highest level of technical excellence on and off the field of play.

I am confident that the 2026 FISU World Championship Rugby Sevens in Stellenbosch will give you every opportunity to shine, to interact and to grow as people.

I wish you the best of luck!

Leonz Eder
FISU President

Stellenbosch University is home to 31,000 students across 10 faculties, including 10 percent international students. The university boasts 41 Research Chairs and 7 Centres of Excellence, alongside 190 registered social impact projects. Maties Sport, based on the Coetzenburg sporting campus, supports over 6 000 student-athletes across 30 recreational, competitive, and high-performance codes. The legacy of Maties Rugby, which spans 145 years, has produced numerous international champions, with a total of 186 Maties
rugby players having represented South Africa as Springboks.

The university has a proven track record of hosting major events, including the T20 Women’s World Cup, the
U20 Rugby World Cup, United Rugby Championship matches, the Varsity Cup, the WXV Series, and the ABSA Cape Epic. Additionally, Stellenbosch University serves as a centre for Olympic research through its South African Centre of Olympic Studies and Social Impact.

As the President of University Sport South Africa, it fills me with great happiness to witness a gathering of talent, passion, and unwavering determination from student athletes representing universities from all corners of the globe. Your presence here not only elevates the event but also exemplifies the beautiful bond forged through sports and camaraderie.

The FISU World University Championship Rugby 7s is not merely a platform for competition; it is a golden opportunity for you to showcase your skills, learn valuable lessons from your peers, and create lasting bonds that transcend borders. As you embark on this thrilling adventure, remember that every match, every point, and every moment is a valuable opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead, relish the triumphs, and consistently strive for nothing less than excellence.

Once again, I extend a hearty welcome to the FISU World University Championship Rugby 7s. It is my sincere hope that your time here will be adorned with wonderful memories, intense competition, and the sheer joy that comes with playing a sport you are passionate about.

I wish you all the best and eagerly anticipate an extraordinary tournament that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Jerry LAKA
President – University Sport South Africa