All 12 participating teams have arrived in Nairobi ahead of the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament set for February 14–15 at Nyayo National Stadium, marking a major milestone for Kenya as it stages a competition of this scale for the first time.
South Africa’s women’s side were the final delegation to touch down, confirming full attendance for the opening leg of the three-event series. Nairobi will launch the campaign before the circuit moves to Montevideo and São Paulo.
The series will be played in a round-robin format, with teams accumulating points across the three tournaments.
The top four sides overall will qualify for the HSBC SVNS World Championships, where promotion to the main series will be at stake.
Ahead of the competition, the 12 teams were yesterday hosted at a welcome dinner in Nairobi attended by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and Tourism PS John Ololtuaa.
In a statement today, Sports Cabinet Secretary Hon. Salim Mvurya highlighted the significance of the tournament for Kenya’s sporting profile.
“Kenya is proud to host the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Division 2 – Nairobi Leg, a historic milestone that elevates Kenya’s global sporting profile and affirms our stature as a premier destination for international sports,” Mvurya’s statement read.
He also spoke about the readiness of the national teams and their role in continuing Kenya’s legacy in sevens rugby.
“Our national teams, the Kenya Sevens Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses, stand ready to compete with passion and pride, building on Kenya’s legacy of Africa Sevens titles and podium finishes on the World Rugby Sevens Series,” the CS added.
Finally, Mvurya welcomed local fans to experience the tournament firsthand, emphasizing safety and full access to the event.
“With tickets sold out, live television coverage, and robust security and traffic arrangements, fans across the country will be able to enjoy this historic rugby festival safely and seamlessly.”
Six men’s and six women’s teams will compete for top honours. The women’s category features Kenya, China, Spain, Brazil, South Africa and Argentina.
The men’s contest includes Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay, Belgium and Canada.
Action begins on Saturday with a full schedule of round-robin matches.
In the women’s competition, China face Argentina at 9:00am, followed by Spain against South Africa at 9:22am. Kenya open their campaign at 9:44am against Brazil.
The men’s fixtures begin at 10:06am with USA playing Belgium. Uruguay meet Germany at 10:28am, while Kenya start their campaign against Canada at 10:50am.
