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Kenya Rises to the Moment, Hosts Unforgettable SVNS Showcase in Nairobi

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Kenya Rises to the Moment, Hosts Unforgettable SVNS Showcase in Nairobi

Kenya Receives High praise After Hosting Thrilling SVNS Tournament in Nairobi

Kenya Shujaa and South Africa Women each win four of five matches as hosts finish third and Springboks secure silver.

NAIROBI, Kenya– This weekend, Kenya rose to the occasion hosting a memorable maiden HSBC SVNS Division Two tournament that has made a lasting impression, with over 15,000 tickets sold across at Nyayo National Stadium.

 

Thousands of local and travelling fans created an electric atmosphere as some of the best international Sevens teams on the planet delivered spellbinding, end-to-end rugby befitting the shorter format of the game.

 

On the field of play, recently promoted Argentina emerged winners in the women’s section of the tournament, with Germany claiming the title in the men’s competition. The historic tournament, the first SVNS event to be hosted by any African country outside South Africa, concluded in style.

 

The two countries’ victories see them take the lead in the three-tournament race to the SVNS World Championship series.

 

Women’s Competition


 
The two African teams in the women’s competition performed admirably in Nairobi, albeit with different outcomes.

 

South Africa finished second, making the top four alongside China and Spain. The Springbok Sevens Women even defeated champions Argentina in the final match in dramatic fashion, sealing the win with an extra-time try.

 

It was not enough, though, as South Africa were edged out by the South Americans on bonus points for the title.

 

Overall, the South Africans lost just one match in the tournament, to Brazil. However, they roared back to beat Spain, Kenya, China and Argentina.

 

“The girls really played for each other and they showed how much that jersey means to them,” said South Africa Women’s head coach Cecil Afrika.

 

“The character and fight to stay in that match and ultimately win it was massive for us and the squad in general. I am very proud of that performance.”

 

Afrika remarked that the slow start on Saturday cost his team the title.

“We started slowly and just could not convert our opportunities on day one. Although we started with a win over Spain, it was not our best performance,” he said.

 

“The defeat against Brazil was a continuation of the issue of not converting our chances, but on Sunday, we took our opportunities much better and that was pleasing. There were many learnings for us and we have something to work on when we start preparing for the next two tournaments.”

 

Host nation Kenya will feel disappointed not to have finished in the top four, especially after their thrilling 15-12 comeback win over Brazil in their first outing on Saturday, February 14. Their 12-10 loss to African rivals South Africa produced another thriller, and the Lionesses will live to fight another day.

 

Men’s Competition

In the men’s section, Germany were worthy winners but are being closely chased by second-placed United States, with Kenya and Uruguay following behind.

 

Kenya finished third after winning four out of their five games. Shujaa’s 21-5 defeat to the US determined the two sides’ final positions in the standings.

 
Despite the mixed fortunes on the field, Kenya earned praise for staging a hugely successful event.

 

“I’m impressed by what I’ve seen here,” Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah told reporters in Nairobi.

 

Mensah added that the East African nation has demonstrated its capability to host bigger editions of the glamorous international Sevens tournament.

 

“We have two open slots in the World Division tournaments and judging from this turnout, Kenya is ready to stage one of the events in the top-tier competitions.”

However, he emphasised that hosting ambitions will depend on on-field performance.

 

“It would be lovely for Kenya Shujaa to qualify for the World Division One series,” said Mensah. “Let Kenya Shujaa qualify for the World Division One series, then KRU (Kenya Rugby Union) should leave the rest to me.”

 

 

Participating Teams

 

Women: Kenya,China,Spain,Brazil, South Africa, Argentina
Men: Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay, Belgium, Canada

 

More information: Click Here

 

Match Day 1: Saturday 14 February 2026 (EAT) (GMT+3)

 

Women

  • 09:00 – China (10) vs Argentina (20)
  • 09:22 – Spain (12) vs South Africa (14)
  • 09:44 – Brazil (12) vs Kenya (15)
  • 12:02 – Spain (17) vs Argentina (19)
  • 12:24 – Brazil (12) vs South Africa (0)
  • 12:46 – China (15) vs Kenya (12)
  • 15:04 – Brazil (17) vs Argentina (28)
  • 15:26 – China (0) vs Spain (21)
  • 15:48 – Kenya (10) vs South Africa (12)

 
Men

  • 10:06 – USA (40) vs Belgium (0)
  • 10:28 – Uruguay (14) vs Germany (19)
  • 10:50 – Kenya (29) vs Canada (12)
  • 13:08 – Uruguay (14) vs USA (17)
  • 13:30 – Germany (26) vs Canada (17)
  • 13:52 – Kenya (33) vs Belgium (0)
  • 16:10 – USA (41) vs Canada (7)
  • 16:32 – Uruguay (38) vs Belgium (14)
  • 16:54 – Kenya (15) vs Germany (10)
     

 

Match Day 2: Sunday 15 February 2026 (EAT) (GMT+3)

 

Women

  • 11:00 – China (5) vs South Africa (33)
  • 11:22 – Brazil (21) vs Spain (29)
  • 11:44 – Kenya (0) vs Argentina (5)
  • 15:12 – South Africa (17) vs Argentina (12)
  • 15:34 – Brazil (5) vs China (24)
  • 15:56 – Spain (14) vs Kenya (5)
     

Men

  • 12:06 – Canada (7) vs Belgium (10)
  • 12:28 – USA (7) vs Germany (28)
  • 12:50 – Kenya (17) vs Uruguay (7)
  • 16:18 – Germany (12) vs Belgium (7)
  • 16:40 – Uruguay (43) vs Canada (12)
  • 17:02 – Kenya (5) vs USA (21)
     

 

Written by Enock Muchinjo 

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