Africa’s Finest Three Eye World Championship Strong Start in Hong Kong

South Africa’s men and women, alongside Kenya’s men, launch their SVNS World Championship campaign in Hong Kong from Friday, 17 April.

 

 

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Tomorrow, the second edition of the SVNS World Championship begins in Hong Kong, with Africa represented by three teams: both the South African men’s and women’s teams, as well as Kenya men.

 

Defending world champions South Africa emerged as winners of the top-tier HSBC SVNS Series last month following back-to-back victories in the Vancouver and New York legs, and are now aiming to reclaim their World Championship title by starting strongly in Hong Kong on Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19.

 

The other two African teams, South Africa Women and Kenya Men, qualified for the World Championship through their top-four finish in the SVNS Division Two, which also ended in March.

 

In the World Championship, there are 12 teams across the two categories, women and men: the eight core teams from the elite SVNS Series and four qualifiers from SVNS 2.

 

The overall winner after the three tournaments becomes world champion, with these season-ending contests also serving as the basis for promotion and relegation for next season.

 

After Hong Kong, the World Championship will conclude in Europe in Valladolid (Spain) between 29 and 31 May, and then Bordeaux (France) from 5 to 7 June.

South Africa Men have named an experienced squad for the first leg in Hong Kong, with the returning speedster Quewin Nortje being one of just three changes to the side that featured in New York in March.

 

“This is a new challenge, and we have some players coming back, so we had to align first, and the best way to do that is to start with the basics,” Blitzbok coach Philip Snyman told South African media.

 

“We worked hard in training, pushed each other very hard, and reminded ourselves of our objectives at the start of this campaign. Doing well in Hong Kong was one of them, so we know what we are training for.

 

“Nothing has changed from our competitive excellence mindset in camp, so we will again travel with a quiet determination to build this team into one of the best in the world.

 

“Everyone is working towards that goal, whether he is selected for a particular trip or not. Someone like Quewin worked very hard over a couple of months in that role and now will be ready to contribute as we know he can.”

 

South Africa Women, meanwhile, are also looking to make a mark in Hong Kong this weekend.

 

The Springbok Women’s Sevens have arrived in the Far East city with new blood in the side in the form of 19-year-old Owami Mohuli and Jane Mulder (20).

 

“We are certainly aware of what we are playing for and what solid performances in this tournament could mean for the Sevens programme and women’s rugby as a whole,” Mulder told the SA Rugby website.

 

“Although we are new players in the team, we share the same determination as the most experienced ones to do well this weekend.”

 

Daughter of former South Africa centre and 1995 World Cup winner Japie Mulder, the new Springbok Women’s star was a versatile sportsperson growing up.

“I was offered a netball bursary by Free State University, but in my second year, I discovered rugby and I’ve not stopped since,” she said.

 

Kenya Men, on the other hand, are in good shape for a flying start in the Hong Kong leg following a three-week break after the conclusion of the SVNS 2 in South America last month.

 

“We gave the boys time off, and now the focus is back,” said Kenya coach Kevin Wambua.

 

“Last week we raised our intensity, and this week is about sharpening our tactical and technical approach.”

 

Shujaa have made just one change to the squad that played in the final leg of the SVNS 2 in São Paulo last month. Brian Tanga comes in to replace the injured Chrisant Ojwang.

 

Where to watch?

Supersport: Channel 211/SS Rugby

 

More information: Click Here

Match Day 1: Friday 17 April 2026 (CAT)

Women

• 06:25 – South Africa vs Australia
• 09:12 – South Africa vs Canada

Men

• 05:39 – South Africa vs Uruguay
• 08:49 – South Africa vs Spain
• 11:56 – Kenya vs Australia
• 14:47 – Kenya vs New Zealand

Match Day 2: Saturday 18 April 2026 (CAT)

Women

• 05:04 – South Africa vs Great Britain
• 09:39 – Best 4th Place vs 2nd Best 4th Place (TBD) (9th Place Semi-Final)
• 10:02 – 3rd Best 3rd Place vs 3rd Best 4th Place (TBD) (9th Place-Semi-Final)
• 11:13 – Pool B Runner-Up vs Pool C Runner-Up (TBD) (Cup Quarter Finals)
• 11:38 – Pool A Winner vs 2nd Best 3rd Place (TBD) (Cup Quarter Finals)
• 13:19 – Pool C Winner vs Pool A Runner-Up (TBD) (Cup Quarter Finals)
• 13:42 – Pool B Winner vs Best 3rd Place (TBD) (Cup Quarter Finals)

Men

• 04:39 – South Africa vs Argentina
• 07:24 – Kenya vs USA
• 10:25 – Best 4th Place vs 2nd Best 4th Place (TBD) 
• (9th Place Semi-Final)
• 10:48 – 3rd Best 3rd Place vs 3rd Best 4th Place (TBD) 
• (9th Place Semi-Final)
• 12:03 – Pool B Runner-Up vs Pool C Runner-Up (TBD) (Cup Quarter Finals)
• 12:28 – Pool A Winner vs 2nd Best 3rd Place (TBD) (Cup Quarter Finals)
• 14:05 – Pool C Winner vs Pool A Runner-Up (TBD) (Cup Quarter Finals)
• 14:28 – Pool B Winner vs  Best 3rd Place (TBD) (Cup Quarter Finals)

 

Match Day 3: Sunday 19 April 2026 (CAT)

• TBD

Written by Enock Muchinjo