Australia's Sevens dominance in the 2026 Taiyo Seimei Women’s Sevens Series continued as the Nagato Blue Angels secured their fourth consecutive title at the Grand Final Tournament in Sapporo. This triumph marks the team's sixth overall championship win, solidifying their dominance in the competition.
The Blue Angels' victory in the final match was hard-fought, as they faced a strong challenge from the Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix. The Phoenix, bolstered by the performances of Japanese HSBC SVNS players, nearly upset the favorites. Rinka Matsuda's six tries on the final day showcased her versatility, mirroring her success with the Sakura XV at the Asia Rugby Emirates Women’s Championship in Kazakhstan.
However, the Blue Angels' depth proved decisive. Australian 7s stars Amahlia Hala, Sakurako Yazaki, Yume Hirano, and Mackenzie Davis combined to secure a 26-19 victory over the Phoenix. Yazaki's five tries earned her the Sapporo Series' Most Valuable Player Award, while McKenzie Davis contributed four tries.
The Blue Angels' success this season was a testament to their depth and talent. International stars Kahli Henwood, Ana Naimasi, Chen Keyi, and Bianca Silva all played pivotal roles across the four rounds of the series. Their performances highlighted the team's ability to consistently deliver under pressure.
Despite falling short of the championship, the Mie Pearls showed resilience, securing the bronze medal. They overcame strong opponents like Yokogawa Atremi-Stars, Prism Fukuoka, and Yokohama TKM. Nippon University and Arukas Kumagaya rounded out the top eight.
The tournament also featured a promotion/relegation play-off, determining the bottom four sides' fate. Established sides like the JRFU Challenge Team, Japan Self-Defence Force, Hokkaido Barbarians Diana, and division two side Japan University of Economics AMATERUS retained their positions for the next year's tournament. However, Otemon Gakuin University was relegated for 2027.
Australia's Sevens success in the 2026 series is a testament to their program's strength and depth. The team's ability to consistently perform at a high level, coupled with their international success, positions them as a force to be reckoned with in women's rugby sevens.
