Mixed Fortunes Across the 7s Season

The Sharks faced a rebuilding year, blending experience with new talent. Despite inconsistent results, they showed flashes of promise and laid strong foundations for future growth. The Mako had a standout season, winning 9 of 12 matches and claiming the North Dorset 7s title, with new players boosting depth and development. The Stingrays battled through challenges but shone at Devon 7s, winning the Plate and showing determination under pressure. All three teams now look ahead to 2026 with renewed focus and ambition.

The 2025 season has been both challenging and transformative for the Sharks 7s team, offering valuable lessons and opportunities for growth in their rugby journey. With a mix of seasoned players and new faces joining the squad, the team embraced a season of rebuilding and adaptation. Throughout their campaign, the Sharks displayed flashes of attacking brilliance, crossing the try line with determination and flair. However, consistency in performance and results proved elusive, leaving room for reflection and improvement. While the season’s outcomes may not have fully reflected the team’s potential, it provided a solid foundation for future progress and highlighted key areas to refine as they move forward.

Silivenusi ‘B’ Buinimasi said of the Sharks campaign, “The 2025 season posed several challenges, but also served as an important year of learning and reflection. Despite limited success on the scoreboard, the team made strides in structure, commitment, and development. As we review the season honestly, it’s clear that progress has been made in the foundational areas, while also identifying the critical next steps needed for the squad to compete consistently at a higher level. The focus now shifts to building on these experiences, strengthening squad depth, restructure our fixtures, and reinforcing key systems ahead of next summer.”

Congratulations to the Sharks 2025 Season winners:
- Top Try Scorer: Kini Dakuliga (15 tries)
- Top Points Scorer: Kini Dakuliga (75 points)
- Rookie of the Year: Kaiava Tokalau
- Coaches Player of the Year: Jack Davis
- Players Player of the Year: Jack Davis

The 2025 season marked a transformative chapter for the Royal Navy Mako 7s, demonstrating not only increased competitiveness but also significant development and depth across the squad. With 22 women wearing the RN 7s shirt—10 of whom were new to the format and 4 entirely new to Royal Navy Rugby—the team has quickly become an opportunity for progression. This influx of fresh talent signals a promising future for the XVs setup, as these athletes transition into the broader rugby framework with confidence and experience.

Across three tournaments and 12 fiercely contested matches, the Mako secured 9 victories and clinched the title at North Dorset 7s. Their defensive resilience and attacking flair were evident, conceding just 103 points while racking up 201 points, 35 tries, and 13 conversions. With the season now concluded, the focus shifts to building on this momentum—expanding squad depth, refining elite performance, and strengthening the pathway into the XVs game. The 2025 7s season has laid the foundation for an even brighter future.

Congratulations to the Mako 2025 Season winners:
- Top Try Scorer: Josie Parnaby (11)
- Top Points Scorer: Josie Parnaby (55) 
- Most Improved: Rach Marley 
- Coaches Player of the Year: Libby Fox 
- Players Player of the Year: Josie Parnaby 

The Stingrays faced a tough start to the season at the North Dorset 7s, where discipline and execution proved costly. Penalties and communication breakdowns hindered their progress, and they exited at the group stage with just one win. The tournament highlighted the need to sharpen ruck work, improve passing under pressure, and strengthen defensive organisation.

The Devon 7s was the standout performance of the season. After a slow start against Brixham, the team rallied to win three matches and claim the Plate Championship. Their attacking cohesion shone through, with a strong points tally and solid defence. However, discipline at the breakdown and defensive consistency remained areas for improvement.

Injuries and limited player availability defined the Stingrays’ campaign at the Cheltenham 7s. Despite their determination, they managed only one win and exited at the pool stage. The tournament underscored the need for better squad preparation and availability ahead of the 2026 season.

Stingrays’ Josh Tora said, “As Head Coach, I am proud of the effort, determination, and spirit shown by the squad this year. While the results were mixed, the commitment from both players and staff to learn and grow sets a strong platform for the future. When we prepare well, communicate effectively, and support each other on and off the field, we can achieve great results. My focus for 2026 will be on building greater depth, improving individual readiness, and fostering a culture where every player understands their role and responsibility in driving the team forward. The lessons from this season will guide us, and I am confident that with continued hard work, discipline, and belief, the Stingrays will reach new heights in the coming year.”

Congratulations to the Stingrays 2025 Season winners:
- Coach’s Player: Jack Copner
- Rookie of the Year: Alex Perry
- Most Improved: Freddie Walls
- Players’ Player: Manasa Tamani

Tournaments:
- Oxford 7s – Sharks Open Cup Semi-Finalists
- Summer Social 7s – Sharks Plate Finalists
- Devon 7s – Stingrays Plate Winners
- Eggchaser 7s – Sharks lost in pool
- British Elite Invitational 7s – Sharks lost in pool
- Worthing 7s – Mako lost in semi-final to hosts
- North Dorset 7s - Mako Competition Winners, Stingrays lost in semi-final
- Cheltenham 7s – Stingrays, Sharks and Mako lost in the pool.

Oxford 7s – 17 May:
Sharks: Harrison Utton-Smith (C), James Lowe, Cam Dale, Christian Postle, Dan Palmer (VC), Jack Copner, Jack Ryder, Joshua Holt, Josaia Korobiau, Alex O'Brien (VC), Manasa Tamani, Kaiava Tokalau, Andrew Llewellyn, Freddie Walls, Brandon Knight.
TSG: Sam Benzie, Josua Tora, Apenisa Daunibau.

Summer Social 7s – 31 May:
Sharks: George Wagstaff, Kini Dakuliga, Harrison Utton-Smith, Epeli Tabaka, Jack Davis, Ratu Vakalutukali, Tom Briggs, Kaiava Tokalau, Harry Mayes (C), Freddy Elliott, Josaia Korobiau, Jack Ryder, Dan Palmer, Cam Bull, Jim Tribe.
TSG: Silivenusi Buimimasi, Sam Benzie, K. Koroi Junior.

Devon 7s – 31 May:
Stingrays: Jack Copner (C), Christian Postle (VC), Bruce Loga, Manasa Tamani (VC), Alex Parry, James Lowe, Declan Johnson, Courtney Black, Rory MacCarthy, Freddie Walls, Marcus Fuata, Pat Seckinger, Ed Milford, Steffan Griffith.
TSG: Josua Tora, Saiasi Vunakece, Apenisa Daunibau.

Eggchaser 7s – 14 June:
Sharks: Jack Davis, Harrison Utton-Smith, Tom Briggs, James Lowe, Ed Milford, Bruce Loga, Josaia Korobiau, Freddie Marsden, Kaiava Tokalau, Harry Mayes (C), Kiniviliame Dakuliga, Ben Callard, Freddy Elliott, Christian Postle.
TSG: Silivenusi Buimimasi, Sam Benzie, K. Koroi Junior.

British Elite Invitational 7s – 26 June:
Sharks: Ben Callard, Ben Chambers, Cam Bull, Charlie Atwood, Ed Milford, Freddy Elliott, George Wagstaff, Harrison Utton-Smith, Jack Davis, Jack Ryder, Jay Toogood, Josaia Korobiau, Kaiava Tokalau, Kini Dakuliga, Christian Postle, Will Riglesford (C).
TSG: Silivenusi Buimimasi, Sam Benzie, K. Koroi Junior.

Worthing RFC 7s – 28 June:
Mako: Josie Parnaby (C), Flo Mullett (VC), Jess Shaw, Rachel Marley, Jordan Wilshire, Amy Hanks, Rainivani Tuvou, Jess McAuley, Mackenzie Parson, Libby Fox, Georgia Adams.
TSG: Rose Dixon, Yvonne Mealy.

North Dorset 7s – 5 July:
Mako: Josie Parnaby (C), Flo Mullett (VC), Libby Fox, Emily Clack, Mackenzie Parsons, Beth Wilcox,Beth Lewington, Rose Dixοn, Sarah McClelland, Ellie Dennis, Emily Seymour, Zoe Gardner.
TSG: Rose Dixon, Yvonne Mealy.

Stingrays: Christian Postle (VC), Courtney Black, Alex Hodkinson, Manasa Tamani (VC), Kyran Rendle, Alex Parry, Ollie Morris, Jack Copner (C), Freddie Walls, Alex Cox, Joe Spence, Matt Horton, Ed Milford, Kristen Barclay, Fin Harvey, Bruce Loga, Harry Royal, Oliver Whitby.
TSG: Josua Tora, Saiasi Vunakece, Apenisa Daunibau.

Cheltenham 7s – 19 July:
Mako: Josie Parnaby (C), Flo Mullett (VC), Rachel Marley, Emily Clack, Libby Fox, Erin Hart, Jess Shaw, Mackenzie Parsons, Rainivani Tuvou, Beth Lewington, Sophie Tulloch, Lauren Astley.
TSG: Rose Dixon, Yvonne Mealy.

Stingrays: Jack Copner (C), Christian Postle (VC), Daniel Lax, Freddie Walls, Kristen Barclay, Brandon Knight, Alex Perry, Fin Harvey, Harry Royle, Ed Milford, Alex Cox, Marcus Fuata, Oliver Ward, Davis Mwangi, Olli Whitby.
TSG: Josua Tora, Saiasi Vunakece, Apenisa Daunibau.

Sharks: George Wagstaff, Jack Davis, Harrison Utton-Smith, James Lowe, Cam Bull, Dan Palmer, Manasa Tamani, Kini Dakuliga, Josaia Korobiau, Freddy Elliott, Kaiava Tokalau.
TSG: Silivenusi Buimimasi, Sam Benzie, K. Koroi Junior.

Images by Keith Woodland