- Here is the Kenya vs Canada HSBC SVNS 2 opener preview as the two sides clash on Saturday, February 13, 2026.
- The match will be staged at Nyayo National Stadium, kicking off at 10:50am.
- The last time Kenya vs Canada locked horns, Shujaa emerged victorious back in 2025.
The men’s national rugby 7s side, Shujaa, will kick off their 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi leg on Saturday morning when they come up against Canada at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The stage is locked in, and Shujaa and Canada will be among the 12 teams participating in this three-legged HSBC SVNS 2 series, with Nairobi serving as the opening stop from February 14-15.
Hosts Kenya enter the tournament hoping for a powerful performance that can boost their ambitions to battle their way back to the HSBC SVNS 1.
ALSO READ: HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi: Full fixtures, schedule & kick-off times
They will be leaning on the energetic Kenya corner to give them an edge. Co-captains George Ooro and Samwel Asati, along with stars like Vincent Onyala and Patrick Odongo, will be crucial players to watch this weekend.
As for Canada, they clinched the HSBC SVNS 3 title in Dubai last month and arrive at this tournament with momentum on their side, their confidence soaring to make a real impact.
Kenya vs Canada HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi preview
Shujaa and Canada know each other well, as this won’t be the first time these two squads have crossed paths.
Fans will remember in May 2023, Shujaa were relegated from the HSBC SVNS Series to the Challenger Series, and Canada was the last opponent they faced in a four-team playoff at Twickenham Stadium in London, where Shujaa fell 12-7, sealing their demotion.
The most recent clash between the two came at the Los Angeles 7s during the 2025 HSBC SVNS series.
ALSO READ: Full teams confirmed for 2026 HSBC SVNS Division 2 series
In the qualifiers playoffs, Kenya met Canada and managed to dismantle them 24-5.
With both sides carrying history into this encounter, they will be eager to launch the tournament on a high note and sustain that confidence through the remaining fixtures in what promises to be a round-robin format competition.
Kenya vs Canada team news
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Canada head coach, Christiaan Esterhuizen, noted they have had a solid camp after clinching the HSBC SVNS 3.
He acknowledged Kenya’s strength but backed his squad to get the job done in Nairobi.
The recent camp has been good. The squad feels more settled, and there’s greater clarity among the players around roles and expectations, which always helps lift standards.
Nairobi will be very competitive – Kenya are probably the top side on current form, and teams like Uruguay, USA, and Germany are all looking strong, so we know we’ll need to be at our best.
Looking ahead to Vancouver, the players are always incredibly excited to play in front of a home crowd. It’s a world-class event, and there’s no doubt the excitement is already building within the group,” he stated after unveiling his 12-man squad.
ALSO READ: USA 7s name final squad for opening HSBC SVNS 2 in Nairobi
Heading into Nairobi, Esterhuizen was forced to make adjustments, bringing in some fresh faces. Reece Thompson and Demetri Patterson are set to make their debuts, while Harry Corkum rejoins the squad after missing Dubai.
For coach Wambua, he selected just one debutant in his squad, with the rest being seasoned regulars who will be chasing a ticket to the top tier next season.
Shujaa captain Samuel Asati emphasized his team’s hunger to return to the peak of the HSBC SVNS ladder, while making a vow to the fans, who have packed out the Nyayo National Stadium.
“We’re going to play in front of our fans we have been traveling with them all over the world, but now it’s a chance to play here in front of them.
For sure, we are not going to disappoint them. Come Sunday, after the tournament, that will be the start of our journey back to Division One, and I hope we will have started quite well and set the tempo.”
Canada men’s 7s team squad in Nairobi & their jersey numbers
- 3. Ethan Turner
- 7. Johnny Franklin
- 9. Harry Corkum
- 10. Adam Doane
- 11. Demetri Patterson
- 14. D’Shawn Bowen
- 18. Morgan Di Nardo
- 33. Kal Sager
- 44. Lockie Kratz
- 55. Jack Shaw
- 64. Elias Hancock
- 97. Reece Thompson
Kenya 7s squad for SVNS 2 Leg in Nairobi
- George ‘Japolo’ Ooro
- Samuel Asati
- John Okoth
- Dennis Abukuse
- Vincent Onyala
- Kevin Wekesa
- Patrick Odongo
- Festus Shiasi
- Nygel Amaitsa
- Floyd Wabwire
- Chrisant Ojwang’
- David Nyangige (debutant)
HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi: Saturday men’s full fixtures, schedule & kick-off times
Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi – 14–15 February 2026
Saturday, 14 February 2026
Men’s Matches
- 10:06 – USA 7s vs Belgium 7s
- 10:28 – Uruguay 7s vs Germany 7s
- 10:50 – Kenya 7s vs Canada 7s
- 13:08 – Uruguay 7s vs USA 7s
- 13:30 – Germany 7s vs Canada 7s
- 13:52 – Kenya 7s vs Belgium 7s
- 16:10 – USA 7s vs Canada 7s
- 16:32 – Uruguay 7s vs Belgium 7s
- 16:54 – Kenya 7s vs Germany 7s