- Here are the key talking points from the 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi Leg.
- Kenya hosted the prestigious series from February 14–15 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
- Shujaa finished third at home over the weekend with 16 points, while the Kenya Lionesses placed sixth.
Kenya hosted one of the premier global showpieces over the weekend, from February 14 to 15, as the 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 Series made its inaugural stop in Nairobi – the first leg of the three-part circuit.
When SportPesa Blog first broke the news of Kenya’s bid to host the prestigious World Rugby Sevens Series under the revamped format, not everyone was convinced the mission would succeed.
That doubt lingered until November last year, when Nairobi was officially confirmed as one of the tour stops.
That long-awaited moment finally arrived over the weekend, and everything came together seamlessly.
Kenya welcomed global giants from different continents, as ten more nations joined the national sevens teams; Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses in their campaign to secure a spot in the 2027 HSBC SVNS 1.
While things did not quite go as planned especially for our national sides, the effort was undeniable.
Shujaa finished third behind Germany (first) and the USA (second), while the Kenya Lionesses managed just one victory, finishing fifth.
Perhaps the outcomes were not what many had envisioned on home soil, but the journey is still alive, and there remains ample opportunity to regroup and recalibrat and sometimes, it simply comes down to fine margins.
That said, despite the outcomes, the execution of the event was spot on.
SportPesa Blog breaks down the key talking points from the HSBC SVNS 2 in Nairobi with what stood out and what still needs work.
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Key Talking Points from the 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi Leg
Kenyans love their own and rugby was the real deal over the weekend
Love it or hate it, sport in this country remains one of the most powerful forces that brings Kenyans together; no drama, no divisions, just pure joy.
It lifts people up, no matter what’s going on in their personal lives or the economy.
ALSO READ: Kenya Lionesses fall to Spain in their final round of HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi
The 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 was a perfect example of that unity. Kenyans turned out in numbers to rally behind the two national teams.
The Kenya Rugby Union sold out tickets days before the tournament even kicked off, with reports indicating at least 12,000 tickets were sold on each of the two days.
After high demand on Saturday, KRU managed to release more tickets so fans could enjoy the action.
Kenyans showed up and showed out. For years, fans have traveled globally to occupy the famed “Kenya Corner” during the World Rugby Sevens Series.
This time, the spectacle was right at home. The atmosphere left even seasoned rugby enthusiasts in awe, many remarking that such a turnout had been rare in recent seasons.
The energy was infectious, propelling Shujaa to win four of their five matches. Once again, when it comes to backing their own, Kenyans rarely disappoint and this weekend was no exception.
Security was top-notch across the two days
The HSBC SVNS 2 in Nairobi had all the right vibes, fans felt safe, at home, and fully immersed in the action. No major incidents were reported over the two-day event at Nyayo National Stadium.
Rugby is known for being a disciplined sport, and Kenyans embodied that spirit over the weekend.
At big events like this, you would expect at least one or two hiccups, maybe a scuffle here, a security breach there.
But KRU raised the bar. Security was smooth, well-organized, and professional.
There was no overcrowding at the gates, verification was quick, and the security personnel were friendly across all areas.
Bottom line: 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 in Nairobi felt safe, and fans soaked it all in without a hitch.
An electric atmosphere beyond the pitch
Rugby is not just about the 14 or 40 minutes on the pitch, with players battling it out. It’s also about soaking in the moments in between.
And the organizers delivered. From halftime DJ sets to top-tier music selections, the vibe was unmatched.
Step off the field and suddenly you are surrounded by food vendors, drinks, sizzling Nyama Choma, everything within arm’s reach. Fans did not struggle to find anything.
Tents were well laid out, and leading online gaming firm SportPesa – Shujaa’s main sponsor, stood out with an engaging setup, offering merchandise including jerseys, caps, wristbands, and hampers that elevated the match-day experience.
The after-party on Sunday, headlined by hip-hop star Khaligraph Jones and R&B duo Vijana Baru Baru, was pure fire. Honestly, nothing beats that vibe.
Everything about the setup was bold, vibrant, and above the bar. People connected, laughed, and celebrated together and some probably wished the tournament had lasted a full week.
Simon Odongo’s Kenya Lionesses still have work to do
While positives outweighed the setbacks, the Kenya Lionesses must fine-tune aspects of their game. Despite earning qualification through hard work last year, the team appeared somewhat disjointed over the weekend, managing just one 15–12 victory against Brazil in their opener.
Subsequent defeats to South Africa, Argentina (eventual champions), Spain, and China exposed areas that demand refinement.
Coach Odongo defended his players, pointing to nerves and lack of big-match experience rather than fitness or creativity. He noted that many of his players are not used to competing in such high-profile tournaments.
With two legs remaining, the Lionesses must regroup quickly.
They need to sharpen their fitness, speed, and on-field creativity before heading to Montevideo (March 21–22) and the final leg in Sao Paulo (March 28–29).
With experienced players like Janet Okello, Grace Okulu, Naomi Amuguni, and Freshia Odour in the squad, they have the firepower. Now it’s about execution.
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Finishing among the top four would see them advance to join the top eight in the World Championship Series, with a separate three-leg event awaiting.
The top eight of the twelve teams will secure their spot in the SVNS Division 1 for 2027.
Shujaa reminded that teamwork trumps individuality
Kenya 7s enjoyed a commendable campaign before falling 21–5 to USA in their final outing. Victories over Canada (29–12), Belgium (33–0), Germany (15–10), and Uruguay (17–7) showcased their potential.
But one flaw stood out in that final match: players tried to shine individually instead of playing as a unit. Rugby 7s thrives on synergy and the USA exploited that perfectly.
Speedster winger Patrick Odongo, for example, received slow, late passes even when he was wide open on the wing. By the time the ball arrived, the USA defense had already swarmed him and that cost them.
So, as good as their run was, this is something they must fix before the next legs. Playing as a unit, not individuals, is non-negotiable- even if individual performances still matter when it comes to results.
The baton now passes to KRU and local clubs
With a successful event now under their belt, the Kenya Rugby Union has a golden opportunity to market the sport like never before; drawing in more fans and making rugby a staple in the local sports scene.
We already have events like Safari 7s each year, but there’s room to grow.
Tournaments like the Kenya Cup, the Legends Cup, and the National Sevens Circuit deserve more visibility. That starts with clubs helping to spread the word.
The more people know about these competitions, the easier it will be to attract corporate partners and sponsors. KRU has laid the foundation. Now it’s time to build.