KNYSNA NEWS - The 2026 Knysna 7s Sports Festival wrapped up last Sunday after three days of competitive rugby. The event was sponsored by KST Shuttles and Knysna Municipality.
Held at Loerie Park from 2 to 4 October, the festival brought together 70 teams in the U14, U16, U18 and senior divisions, giving young and established players from across the region an opportunity to compete in the fast-growing sevens format.
Youth rugby takes centre stage
The festival opened with the U14 boys and girls competitions, where young players enjoyed a full day of competitive sevens rugby.
The opening day highlighted the potential of the region's young players, while the group stages gave teams valuable tournament experience and an opportunity to face opposition from outside their immediate communities.
Results:
Boys U14
- Gold - Struisbaai Rugby Academy
- Silver - Woodlands Rugby Academy
- Bronze - Rainbow Sports Academy
Girls U14
- Gold - Just Planting Seeds
- Silver - Hands & Hearts Youth (Rainbow)
- Bronze - Struisbaai Rugby Academy
Titans retain women's title
The final day saw the remaining divisions enter the knockout stages, with teams competing for championship honours.
A major highlight was Titans Rugby Academy successfully defending its senior women's sevens title, beating Young Good Hope RFC Ladies 10-5 in the final.
The victory adds to Titans' growing sevens record.
Several new champions were also crowned.
2026 Knysna 7s champions:
- Boys U14 - Struisbaai Rugby Academy
- Girls U14 - Just Planting Seeds
- Boys U16 - Amazonians Rugby Academy
- Girls U16 - Just Planting Seeds
- Boys U18 - Be the Difference Foundation
- Girls U18 - Amazonians Rugby Academy
- Senior women - Titans Rugby Academy
- Senior men - Knysna Stars
The senior men's final provided another exciting finish, with Knysna Stars defeating Pletties 7s 14-10 to claim the title.
More than just trophies
While the scores and trophies provided the weekend's highlights, the organisers said the greater significance of the Knysna 7s lies in the opportunities created for players and communities.
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