Sunshine Coast: World-Class Youth Rugby Sevens

The event brings one of the world's most celebrated under-18 rugby sevens competitions to Australian shores uniting elite young talent from across the globe in one of Australia's most iconic destinations. 

Hosted at the Kawana Sports Precinct in Bokarina, December 12-13, 2026 the tournament for U14, U16 and U18 age groups aims to attract girls and boys teams from in state, across Australia and around the world. 

The event follows on from a successful pilot tournament on the Gold Coast in 2023, and showcases the growing interest in Sevens rugby including its future presence at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli said that securing an event of this calibre was a testament to what the Sunshine Coast offers — outstanding facilities, a passionate community, and a location that athletes and families want to visit. 

The Global Youth Sevens has been the proving ground for tomorrow's rugby stars since 2016, with its flagship Auckland event consistently drawing international powerhouses like Fiji, Australia and New Zealand, as well as stunning up-and-coming national teams such as Japan and the USA. The Sunshine Coast edition promises to deliver that same electric atmosphere alongside the region's world-renowned lifestyle backdrop. 

With more than 70 athletes going on to full national honours including attending the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships, the tournament promises to elevate Sevens rugby even further, showcasing future talent such as Australian Sevens members Maddison Levi, Demi Hayes, Faith Nathan and many others.

Tournament Director, Phil Gaze said taking the Global Youth Sevens to the Sunshine Coast was a milestone we've been working towards for some time. 

"This is a destination that matches our ambition — vibrant, world-class, and ready for the global stage. 

"We expect this tournament to become a must-attend event on the international youth rugby calendar, along with our Auckland tournament." 

"We're incredibly proud to welcome the world's best young rugby sevens talent here in December 2026."

The event is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.

Team registrations and further information are available at www.globalyouthsevens.rugby