What is Ovalyonne Seven’s?
University tournament created in 2017, the Ovalyonne Sevens is an annual sporting event hosting women’s rugby sevens teams. Organized by students for students, it is a unifying event that brings together French and foreign players from all over the world.
Why the Ovalyonne Seven’s?
We created the Ovalyonne Sevens with the aim of contributing to the development of women’s rugby but also to challenge young organisers who are taking part in a huge project of international scope. Since 2017, we have opted for a sports platform combining performance and cultural exchange in a human and festive atmosphere. An important place is given to the training of our volunteers to achieve an organization that we wish to be worthy of the largest French tournaments.
The context of the tournament
For several years, women’s rugby has experienced an unprecedented boom. The mediatization of major world events and the results of the French team contribute to this development. University Women’s Rugby is also a pioneer in terms of development, indeed the female practice of rugby is historically linked to the practice of rugby 7 at the university – many young women discover this sport during their student program.
After a memorable 2023 Rugby World Cup, the Paris Games 2024 and the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, which broke the audience record for the women’s final, rugby is more than ever in the spotlight in France. Even though the women’s team did not postpone the Olympic title and the World Cup, it benefited from strong media coverage and continued to inspire many players across the country, thanks to its remarkable performances and role model.
It is in this context of growth in women’s rugby, with increased media coverage and a strong dynamic around rugby sevens, that the Ovalyonne Sevens will be held for the 8th time in 2026. This event, now unmissable, continues to promote the female practice of rugby à 7 while adhering to the values of performance and respect that are dear to it.
What future for Ovalyonne Seven’s?
Driven by the ambition to become a lasting pillar of women’s university rugby, the Ovalyonne Sevens continues its evolution to contribute to the influence of its discipline. Since its first edition in 2017, the tournament has been transforming and progressing but remains always a success on the sporting, organizational, and human levels.
The feedback from the participants is, each year, very positive and suggests a solid future for our project. Thus, the 2026 edition is gaining momentum and will welcome 16 teams from 3 different continents (Europe, Africa, America).
For the 8th time, high-level sports events will take place over two days intertwined with festive moments, in a benevolent atmosphere focused on respect and sharing.
Eco-responsibility on the tournament
Our tournament aims to be as eco-responsible as possible.
The organization therefore ensures to limit plastic waste as much as possible with the use of real dishes at the restaurant.
We also encourage delegations to come with their own gourds.
Finally, we will provide fun sorting bins that clearly explain which bin to throw your waste into.