NEW ZEALAND DOMINATE DUBAI 7S FINALS

The 2025 Dubai Sevens ended in style for New Zealand, as both their men’s and women’s teams stormed to victory and completed a memorable clean sweep.

It was a weekend where the Kiwis didn’t just win, they reminded everyone why they’re perennial sevens powerhouses.

The women’s side set the tone with a commanding 29–14 win over Australia, ending the Aussies’ five-year run of dominance in Dubai. New Zealand came out firing, showing sharper decision-making, more composure under pressure and clinical finishing that Australia couldn’t match when it mattered most.

The men followed up with a gripping 26–22 triumph over their Australian counterparts. The final ebbed and flowed, with Australia striking first through Maurice Longbottom.

But New Zealand responded with back-to-back tries from Dylan Collier and Akuila Rokolisoa to take control before halftime. In the second half, Sione Molia produced a brilliant 50-metre break to extend the lead, and although Australia rallied, a late try from Jayden Keelan sealed the result.

When the final whistle blew, both teams gathered for a thunderous haka, a rare double celebration on the Dubai turf that captured the significance of the moment. For the men, it marked their first Dubai title since 2018; for the women, it was a powerful return to the top after a stretch without podium finishes.

In the end, New Zealand didn’t just claim the titles; they stamped their authority on the opening leg of the season and sent a clear message to every team chasing them.

Image credit: CNN