British Women’s Sevens Players to Compete on International Stage Amid Funding Cuts
The end of Great Britain’s full-time rugby sevens program has left many of the country’s leading women’s players without contracts and without a clear pathway to consistent international competition. From 2025/26, the program will move to a camp-based model due to financial constraints, significantly reducing opportunities for players to train and compete together outside of the World SVNS Series.
This shift has been described by many in the rugby community as a major setback for the sport, particularly for athletes who had built careers within the GB7s structure. For both established internationals and rising talents, the future now looks uncertain.
A New Opportunity: LIT United Kingdom 7s
In response to this gap, a new initiative has been launched to keep the GB7s legacy alive. This September, a squad of 14 former GB7s players and standout athletes from the LIT Super Sevens Series will compete in a prestigious international tournament in Fiji. Entering under the name LIT United Kingdom 7s, the side will face world-class opposition from New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji.
The tour is being positioned as more than a one-off event. Organisers have stressed its importance in sustaining elite competition opportunities for former GB7s players while also creating a platform for emerging sevens talent to develop on the global stage.
Funding the Tour
The team’s participation is dependent on raising external financial support. Organisers are currently seeking donations from supporters as well as sponsorship from businesses and partners to help cover essential costs. These include flights, accommodation, tournament fees, kit, and support staff.
Any surplus funding raised will be reinvested into future opportunities for players, ensuring longer-term benefits beyond the Fiji tournament.
Squad and Staff
Confirmed players include Eloise Hayward, Charlotte Woodman, Seren Singleton, Courtney Greenway, and Emma Hennessy. Additional names are expected to be announced following nominations from leading LIT Super Sevens Series clubs such as Shogun, Hammerheads, Savvy Panthers, BOOM Beavers, MS Marauders, Wild Dogs, and Hong Kong 7s.
The coaching and performance team will feature:
- Simon Hunt (England 7s)
- Will Broderick (former GB7s assistant coach)
- Matt Stagg (former GB7s strength & conditioning coach)
The Role of LIT7s
The initiative is being supported by London International 7s (LIT7s), an organisation that has played a central role in developing rugby sevens in the UK for over 13 years. LIT7s now runs the LIT Super Sevens Series, the largest competition of its kind in Europe, featuring six tournaments and attracting international, Premiership, and Championship players.
Looking Ahead
The Fiji tournament represents both a short-term solution and a potential springboard for longer-term player development. It is seen by many as an important step in addressing the uncertainty left by the removal of GB7s full-time contracts, while also highlighting the role of independent initiatives in sustaining elite sevens opportunities in Britain.
Updates on the team’s preparation and tournament experience will be shared through @LIT7s social media channels. Supporters and potential sponsors interested in contributing to the project are encouraged to engage with the campaign to help ensure the squad can represent on the global stage.
GoFundMe link – https://gofund.me/85e1a8204
Sponsorship Opportunities – https://www.snapsponsorship.com/rights-owners/rugby/lit-uk-sevens
