One of the Southern Hemisphere’s longest-running and most iconic rugby sevens tournaments is set to return this September, as the Hottest Sevens in the World marks its 36th edition in Darwin, Northern Territory.
Running from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September 2025, the event will once again bring together teams from across Australia and overseas, with junior, youth, and senior divisions all on display over the three-day tournament.
The Hottest Sevens has become a key fixture in the rugby sevens calendar since its beginnings as the “Territory 7s” in 1989. What started as a modest local tournament has grown into a truly international event, attracting clubs from New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, the Asia-Pacific, and across Australia.
The 2025 edition is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. This is more than just a rugby tournament it’s a celebration of the sport and of Top End culture, Northern Territory Rugby Union is proud to host an event that brings together such a diverse group of players, officials and supporters each year.
For the first time, the tournament will open with a dedicated junior competition day on Friday, giving younger players an opportunity to shine before the senior divisions kick off on Saturday.
Teams will compete across five main divisions:
- Open Men’s and Women’s
- Youth Boys and Girls (born 2007–2008)
- Under 16 Boys and Girls (born 2009–2010)
- Under 14 Boys and Girls (born 2011–2012)
- Under 12 Mixed (born 2013–2014)
Each team is permitted up to 12 players, along with coaching and medical staff. Entry fees range from $550 for junior teams to $1,650 for open divisions, with registration now open and spots expected to fill quickly.
Beyond the rugby, the tournament is known for its festive atmosphere, warm weather, and strong community spirit. The 2024 edition drew over 50 teams and hundreds of spectators, with local businesses and sponsors also playing a key role in the event’s success.
This event a highlight on the calendar not just for rugby fans, but for the wider community.
As teams from across the country prepare to head north, the message is simple: “You bring the game — we’ll bring the heat.
Expressions of interest and team registrations can be submitted online.
Register a team: https://form.jotform.com/250428010563851
Submit an EOI: https://form.jotform.com/250540097751052
