The Ultimate Sevens player draft has kicked off with a bang, and it's clear that this inaugural season is set to be a thrilling spectacle. With 17 nations and 131 players across men's and women's teams, the competition is shaping up to be a global showcase of rugby talent. But what makes this draft particularly exciting is the array of marquee players being snapped up by clubs, each bringing their own unique star power to the table.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this draft is the strategic allocation of players to clubs. The Pacific Current, for instance, has secured a formidable duo in Maddison Levi and Reapi Ulunisau for their women's side, while Henry Hutchison and Terio Veilawa strengthen the men's team. This highlights the importance of scouting and identifying key players who can make an immediate impact.
What's more, the draft is not just about the big names; it's also about building a well-rounded squad. The Sol Feroz, for example, has added Spanish star Manu Monero and Argentine Luciano González to their men's team, while Thalia Costa and Jimena Blanco-Hortiguena lead the charge for the women's side. This demonstrates the value of diversity and the potential for lesser-known players to shine.
The Atlantic Novas, meanwhile, have made some bold moves with their selections. Lucas Lacamp and Stephen Tomasin, both Eagles and Olympic duo, join the women's team, while Canadian and 2024 Olympic silver medalist Krissy Scurfield and 2026 SVNS Champion Faith Nathan add further depth. This showcases the importance of a strong support system and the potential for players to excel in a well-structured environment.
One thing that immediately stands out is the global reach of this draft. With players from Fiji, Australia, Spain, Argentina, the USA, Canada, and France all being snapped up, it's clear that Ultimate Sevens is a truly international competition. This raises a deeper question: how can we further promote and develop rugby in regions where it may not be as popular?
Another interesting aspect is the balance between marquee players and the rest of the squad. Albion Athletic, for instance, has secured Abbie Brown and Isabella Nasser, both of whom were included in the SVNS Dream Team of the Year. But they've also added Tristan Leyds, Men's SVNS Player of the Year, and Charlton Kerr, Great Britain captain, to their men's team. This highlights the importance of a strong foundation and the potential for players to build on their success.
The Clan Taran, meanwhile, has a heavy Southern Hemisphere influence with New Zealand duo Jazmin Felix-Hotham and Roderick Solo, Aussie Heidi Dennis, and Blitzbok Shilton van Wyk. This showcases the potential for players from different regions to come together and create a unique and dynamic squad.
Finally, the Foudre Bleue has a full contingent of French players, with Paris gold medalist Antoine Zeghdar and teammate Paulin Riva joining the men's side, while XVs convert Valentine Lothoz and Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carla Neisen add further depth to the women's team. This highlights the importance of a strong national team and the potential for players to excel in a well-supported environment.
In my opinion, the Ultimate Sevens draft is a fascinating insight into the world of rugby. It showcases the strategic thinking behind player allocation, the value of diversity, and the potential for players to excel in a well-structured environment. But it also raises a deeper question: how can we further promote and develop rugby in regions where it may not be as popular? And what can we learn from the success of these marquee players and the balance between them and the rest of the squad?
