One of Australia's most lucrative - and notoriously difficult - sevens tournaments has thrown down the gauntlet to all-comers with a simple challenge: can they handle the heat?
Northern Territory Rugby today announced their "Hottest 7s in the World" tournament would return to its traditional Australia Day long weekend slot, with games running from Friday, January 23, through to Sunday, January 25.
Can you handle the heat? Sign your team up for the 2026 Hottest 7s here!
Since its inception in 1989 (originally the “Territory 7s”), the Hottest 7s has grown into an international rugby festival and returns to Australia Day in line with NT Rugby's 50th anniversary celebrations.
The Hottest 7s is no joke - temperatures average between 31-35 degrees Celsius with humidity between 70 to 80 per cent - and the $50,000 prize pool attracts teams from across Australia, the Pacific and South East Asia.
The 2026 Hottest 7s will feature divisions for open men’s and women’s teams, as well as youth and age-grade competitions, providing opportunities for players at all levels to compete in a festival-style rugby environment.
For travelling Fijian sides like four-time reigning champions Tabadamu and local heavyweights Duiyasana, the Hottest 7s is a calendar highlight.
"It's the only time we can meet up, as family and friends. We so look forward to coming to play for Tabadamu at Hottest 7s every year," 2024 Tabadamu winner Abele Atunaisa said.
"People are watching from back home in Fiji - they love the team and there's great support from our grassroots
"I feel like it's spreading and we're spreading rugby around the Northern Territory. Mostly in the Northern Territory, it's footy (Australian Rules football), so we're trying to change that … and we love the weather."" Duiyasana coach Lepani Nabuliwaqa added.
Follow the Hottest 7s on Facebook for further details or click here to register a team today!
