HSBC SVNS 2 – Nairobi, Kenya
HSBC SVNS 2 Makes Historic Kenya Debut
The highly anticipated World Rugby tournament, HSBC SVNS 2, was hosted in Nairobi from 14–15 February 2026, marking the first time the event has been staged in Kenya. The competition featured three leagues, with top teams advancing to the play-offs in pursuit of promotion back to Tier 1. .
Six men’s sides—Germany, Uruguay, USA, Belgium, and Canada alongside the host nation—competed in a round-robin format, where the table leader emerged champion. Kenya began strongly, winning three of their five matches on day one. However, momentum shifted on the second day after a 21–5 defeat to the USA Eagles left both sides tied on 12 points. Germany, despite an earlier loss to Shujaa, later dominated the United States to finish with 13 points and secure the title. .
In the women’s category, Argentina’s Las Yaguaretes claimed top honours with 13 points, competing against teams from South Africa, Kenya Lionesses, Spain, Brazil, and China. The Kenya Lionesses registered one victory—against Brazil—to finish fifth with six points, while South Africa and Spain placed second and third with 12 and 11 points respectively. .
Off the pitch, the tournament atmosphere was electric. Fans—widely regarded as the “eighth player”—turned the city vibrant, with tickets selling out weeks before the event and bringing Nairobi to a near standstill during the competition.
Six men’s sides—Germany, Uruguay, USA, Belgium, and Canada alongside the host nation—competed in a round-robin format, where the table leader emerged champion. Kenya began strongly, winning three of their five matches on day one. However, momentum shifted on the second day after a 21–5 defeat to the USA Eagles left both sides tied on 12 points. Germany, despite an earlier loss to Shujaa, later dominated the United States to finish with 13 points and secure the title. .
In the women’s category, Argentina’s Las Yaguaretes claimed top honours with 13 points, competing against teams from South Africa, Kenya Lionesses, Spain, Brazil, and China. The Kenya Lionesses registered one victory—against Brazil—to finish fifth with six points, while South Africa and Spain placed second and third with 12 and 11 points respectively. .
Off the pitch, the tournament atmosphere was electric. Fans—widely regarded as the “eighth player”—turned the city vibrant, with tickets selling out weeks before the event and bringing Nairobi to a near standstill during the competition.
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