DUBAI: The curtain came down on Sunday at the Emirates Dubai 7s with New Zealand achieving the HSBC SVNS men’s and women’s double, while fans were also treated to live music performances from DJs EZ and Fisher.

The conclusion of the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS Series 2025-26 was all about Australia and New Zealand as the two rugby giants collided in both the finals.

New Zealand had secured their place in the men’s showdown courtesy of a thrilling 24-21 victory over Fiji, last year’s tournament winners, but it was far more comfortable for Australia, who beat France 14-0.

The final did not disappoint as the two teams served up a thriller for the fans in a contest that ebbed and flowed with both teams playing their part.

Ultimately, it was New Zealand who edged it, with Jayden Keelan’s try proving decisive as they secured a 26-22 victory to claim the title.

In the last four of the women’s competition, New Zealand defeated Japan 31-5, with Australia, who were going in search of a sixth consecutive Dubai title, overcoming Fiji 31-10 to set up a repeat of last year’s showpiece.

Australia’s Dubai dominance was then brought to a shuddering halt by a ruthless New Zealand side intent on making up for last year’s disappointment against their old foes.

New Zealand produced a superb display, scoring three tries in the opening seven minutes, including two from Jorja Miller, to establish a 17-0 half-time lead. Although the Australians rallied late on, the damage had already been done and it was the All Blacks who secured a fully deserved 29-14 victory to secure the title.

The trophies were presented to the winning captains by Tim Clark, the president of Emirates airline, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, the president of the UAE Rugby Federation.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the vice president and prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai, was in attendance on Saturday to watch as the action unfolded.

Mathew Tait, the festival’s director, said: “Congratulations to New Zealand on their outstanding victories at the HSBC SVNS. This year’s tournament once again delivered memorable days of world-class rugby, capped by a brilliant set of finals.

“Year after year the Emirates Dubai 7s raises the bar, and 2025 was no exception. We were thrilled to welcome huge crowds across all three days, who immersed themselves in an action-packed program of sport, music and entertainment.

“Our live music lineup was another standout success, and having Fisher close the festival with his signature energy at The Sevens Stadium was the perfect finale to an incredible weekend.”

Earlier in the day, Dubai Hurricanes emerged triumphant in the Gulf Men’s League Cup Final as they overcame Bahrain RFC, much to the delight of the majority of fans.

This year’s invitational rugby tournament, the largest in the world, featured 243 teams across the men’s and women’s games, with players throughout multiple age groups putting themselves to the test at The Sevens Stadium.