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SCMP Sport

Portugal’s men and South Africa’s women reigned supreme at the HSBC Challenger Series in Krakow this weekend.
The men’s winners overcame pre-series leaders Germany in the semi-finals to set up a final meeting with Samoa on Saturday.
With half-time looming, the two finalists were level at 7-7 before Manuel Vareiro’s up-and-under-kick edged Portugal ahead as they eventually claimed a thrilling 24-19 victory
“It’s been amazing for us as a young group coming to this tournament with big teams, Portugal captain Fabio Conceicao said after the win.” We knew we could beat anyone and that’s what we did, we showed it on the pitch.”
Hong Kong’s men failed to reach Krakow after losing in Cape Town at the start of April.

Canada, who finished fourth in Krakow, top the overall men’s standings ahead of the series climax in Los Angeles.
On the women’s side, South Africa were dominant throughout and finished with a 21-12 victory over Argentina in the final, having beaten the same opponents 22-0 the previous day.
Having twice finished second to Kenya in the series, the Springbok women won every match and overcame the Kenyans 22-10 in the semi-finals.
However, despite finishing third in Krakow, Kenya’s women were crowned overall champions of the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series.
“It’s actually been a tough couple of days in Krakow but we bounced back and we were able to win the series,” Kenya captain Grace Okulu said after raising the trophy. “Since last year we didn’t qualify so this year we really had a lot to do.
“It actually feels amazing, I don’t think anyone in Kenya Rugby has ever done this. But being the first females and for us to be the champions of the series, it actually means so much to us.”
The 2025 edition of the Challenger competition kicked off with combined events over two weekends in Cape Town last month, before the finale in Poland.
Next up, all eyes are on the HSBC SVNS Play-off in Los Angeles on May 3 and 4.


HSBC Challenger Series: Portugal and South Africa claim Krakow titles, all eyes on LA

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Portugal’s men and South Africa’s women celebrate their respective victories together at the HSBC Challenger Series in Krakow. Photo: Reuters

Kenya’s women joyful at clinching overall sevens title. Photo: Reuters

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Siobhan Haughey made her competitive comeback in the pool on Saturday. Photo: Edmond So

Siobhan Haughey (centre) alongside Eunis Man (left) and Claire Cheung after the women’s 100 metres breaststroke. Photo: Edmond So

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Siobhan Haughey celebrates winning her first Olympic medal, silver in the 200m freestyle in Tokyo in 2021. Photo: TASS via Getty Images

Siobhan Haughey collects her second medal in Tokyo, the silver in the 100m freestyle. Photo: Reuters

Sport

Rugby

Portugal’s men clinch thrilling final over Samoa, while South Africa’s dominant women finish perfect weekend with victory over Kenya


Portugal’s men clinch thrilling final over Samoa, while South Africa’s dominant women finish perfect weekend with victory over Kenya.


Asia Rugby Sevens Series

HSBC Sevens World Series