- The six men’s and women’s teams set to participate in the 2026 HSBC SVNS Division 2 have been confirmed ahead of the series, which kicks off with the Nairobi HSBC SVNS in February.
- South Africa and Argentina (women) and Belgium and Canada (men) secured their spots after reaching the finals of SVNS 3.
- They will join four other men’s and women’s teams, including Kenya’s own squads, the Lionesses and Shujaa.
The six men’s and women’s teams set to participate in the 2026 World HSBC SVNS Division 2 have been confirmed for the three‑legged series, which kicks off later in February.
Two men’s sides from HSBC SVNS 3 – Belgium and Canada, will be joined by two women’s teams: South Africa’s Women’s Boks and Argentina’s women’s squad.
The four teams secured their spots by reaching the finals of the SVNS 3 event in Dubai, completing the quartet of automatic qualifiers from each gender.
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On Sunday morning, January 18, South Africa defeated Poland 36‑5 to advance to the final and book their Division 2 place, while Argentina edged out Czechia 22‑12.
Meanwhile, in the men’s category, Belgium overcame Samoa 26‑14 in the main cup semifinals and will face Canada in the final after the Canadians defeated Hong Kong China 24‑19.
Teams confirmed for 2026 HSBC SVNS Division 2 series
The Division 2 line‑up is now complete: South Africa and Argentina’s women join Kenya Lionesses, China, Spain, and Brazil to form the six women’s teams.
In the men’s competition, Belgium and Canada will link up with Kenya’s Shujaa side, the USA, Germany, and Uruguay.
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This edition holds special significance for Kenya, which will host the opening leg in Nairobi.
Dubbed the HSBC Nairobi Sevens, the event will be held at Nyayo National Stadium on 14‑15 February.
Following Nairobi, the second round will take place in Montevideo, Uruguay on 21‑22 March, before the final round in Sao Paulo, Brazil from 28‑29 March.
The top four sides in SVNS 2 will earn promotion to the SVNS World Championship, where they will compete against the top eight teams from SVNS Division 1 across the season’s closing events in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux.
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From the combined pool of 12 teams, those finishing inside the top eight will secure Division 1 status for the 2027 SVNS campaign.
Participating teams in HSBC SVNS Division 2 2026 Series:
- Men’s Division 2 – Kenya, USA, Uruguay, Germany, Canada, Belgium
- Women’s Division 2 – Kenya, Brazil, China, Spain, South Africa, Argentina
HSBC New format dates and venues:
- HSBC SVNS Series: Dubai (29‑30 Nov 2025), Cape Town (6‑7 Dec 2025), Singapore (31 Jan‑1 Feb 2026), Australia (7‑8 Feb 2026), Vancouver (7‑8 Mar 2026), USA (14‑15 Mar 2026).
- HSBC SVNS World Championship: Hong Kong (17‑19 Apr 2026), Valladolid (29‑31 May 2026), Bordeaux (5‑7 Jun 2026).
- HSBC SVNS 2: Nairobi (14‑15 Feb 2026), Montevideo (21‑22 Mar 2026), São Paulo (28‑29 Mar 2026).
- HSBC SVNS 3: (17‑19 Jan 2026).