From elite international rugby to kids’ zones, fan villages and festival fun, HSBC SVNS Singapore 2026 proved that sport at the National Stadium is no longer just about the game — it’s about the experience.
The HSBC SVNS has long been known for its fast-paced, high-impact action on the pitch, but in 2026, the story in the stands and around the stadium proved just as compelling.
Walking into The Kallang, visitors were greeted not only by die-hard rugby fans donning their favourite teams’ jerseys, but also by clusters of children covered in face paint, tossing miniature rugby balls to each other and weaving through the crowd with excited energy.
The atmosphere felt less like a traditional sporting event and more like a light-hearted family festival — one where rugby served as the centrepiece, but not the only attraction.
Over two electrifying days, close to 40,000 fans streamed into the National Stadium, transforming The Kallang into a buzzing hub of sport, entertainment and community engagement. Branded as the “Family SVNS,” the 2026 edition lived up to its name, blending elite international rugby with a packed schedule of activities, clinics and fan experiences designed to appeal to supporters of all ages.
Fan Village Fun: Where Rugby Meets Playtime
Long before kickoff, parents arrived early to explore the multitude of booths surrounding the Promenade at the National Stadium.
From Experience Rugby stations conducted in conjunction with the Singapore Rugby Union to the Junior Fun Zone featuring favourite Hasbro characters like Peppa and George, My Little Pony and more, alongside Mandai X Ranger Buddies and their booth, which encouraged kids to take part in simple, environmental-themed games and challenges.
Through these all, the Fan Village became a playground of activities designed to keep younger fans entertained.
Inflatable games, skill challenges and photo booths lined the walkways, while parents relaxed nearby with drinks and snacks, keeping an eye on their children while catching up with friends.
Other popular booths included AirAsia and H-Two-O, where families and friends could take part in simple, hands-on challenges to win prizes. Visitors could design postcards as keepsakes at the AirAsia booth, while others found themselves challenging the Speed Runner game at the H-Two-O booth, scoring themselves free beverages to beat the heat!
Photo credit: SportPlus
“They’ve put on a lot of these family-friendly activities, like this bouncy castle right in front of me — our kids are having a great time right now,” said James Tan, a father of two who has been attending the competition annually since 2015.
“All the nationalities, flag-waving, face painting — I love it. It really feels like a celebration, not just a match day.”
From Peppa Pig to Wheelchair Rugby: A True Festival Atmosphere
Beyond the Fan Village, the festival atmosphere extended across the entire precinct. Families could spot larger-than-life characters such as Peppa and George, My Little Pony and Optimus Prime roaming the grounds, while interactive gaming zones, youth rugby clinics and discovery sessions added to the sense that this was a full-day — and full-family — experience.
Wheelchair rugby matches and dedicated Kids Drop Off Zones also reflected the organisers’ effort to make the event inclusive and accessible for a wide range of attendees.
Beach Club-style relaxation areas and family-friendly dining options from outlets such as Meatsmith and Burnt Ends Bakery further added to the laid-back, carnival feel.
Elite Rugby Action: Champions Crowned at Kallang
Inside the stadium, the rugby itself delivered the drama fans came for. Fiji Men’s Team successfully defended their title, overcoming 2024 Olympic gold medallists France in a thrilling final, surging in the second half to secure a 21–12 victory.
In the women’s competition, New Zealand Women’s Team put on a dominant display, defeating arch-rivals Australia 36–7 to lift the trophy. These high-intensity finals capped off two days of non-stop rugby that thrilled spectators in the stands and reinforced Singapore’s place on the global HSBC SVNS Series calendar.
Growing the Game: Grassroots and Youth Development
The National Stadium pitch also hosted developmental and community competitions, including the Ruck and Rumble tournaments and the SRU Schools U14 Sevens, where Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) defeated St Andrew’s Secondary School to claim the title.
These grassroots events, alongside upcoming National School Games and SRU National League U15s fixtures, highlighted the tournament’s broader mission to grow rugby participation in Singapore and build a sustainable pathway for young players.
More Than a Tournament: A Weekend for the Whole Family
While the matches remained the centrepiece of the weekend, the surrounding carnival ensured that children’s attention spans never ran dry. Between games, families naturally drifted back out to the Promenade for snacks, hands-on activities, or simply to stretch their legs.
Photo credit: SportPlus
The rhythm of the day flowed between high-energy cheering in the stands and relaxed wandering through the festival spaces. Young parents Sam and Amanda, who attended with their child, spent the afternoon moving from booth to booth, taking in everything on offer.
Sam, who used to play rugby himself in his younger days, described the event as a “full sensory experience” for kids, with bright colours, lively music and interactive zones keeping young visitors engaged.
Amanda concurred, adding: “We like how the spaces have been designed for families in mind, and it makes the overall atmosphere suitable even for those not as familiar with the sport of rugby.”
For parents, it translated into fewer worries about restlessness — and more chances to settle in and fully enjoy the rugby themselves.
International and Local Fans Alike
For travelling supporters, the experience went beyond the matches. Katy Cable, who flew in for two weeks from New Zealand to watch her niece play in the Under-6s match on Saturday morning, described the Kallang venue as “extremely nice,” noting that the air-conditioned comfort made it especially pleasant for families with young children.
In 2026, the HSBC SVNS proved it was more than just a rugby tournament. The laughter from children, music in the concourse and the roars from the stands blended together into something greater than sport alone.
For many families, it was not only about who won or lost, but about sharing a weekend where they could play, cheer and create memories together — confirming that HSBC SVNS Singapore has truly evolved into one of Asia’s must-attend family sporting festivals.
Missed the action at HSBC SVNS Singapore? This is just the beginning — stay tuned for even more events at The Kallang in 2026.
