• RUGBY

• Frank Rotich 2 months ago

HSBC SVNS 2 kicks off in Nairobi as Shujaa and Lionesses chase promotion

As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day, rugby fans in Kenya have another reason to smile. Nyayo National Stadium is the place to be this weekend as the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament makes its historic debut on Kenyan soil.

For the first time ever, Nairobi is hosting the global Division Two sevens event, and a sold-out stadium is expected to create a thrilling atmosphere. With promotion to the top-tier series at stake, both Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses will be counting on home support to push them over the line.

The women’s competition promises fireworks as continental giants South Africa arrive in Nairobi full of confidence. The Africa 7s champions recently won the HSBC SVNS 3 title in Dubai and will be eager to continue their winning run. Captain Nadine Roose leads a strong squad that includes pacey attackers Ayanda Malinga and Maria Tshriemba.

However, the Kenya Lionesses are ready for the challenge. Coach Simon Odongo will miss the physical presence of Faith Livoi but welcomes back the speed of Janet Okello. Two debutants, Marvel Oswago and Charity Nila, are also set to make their mark in front of home fans.

Grace Adhiambo, currently playing club rugby in France, alongside Freshia Awino and Sheila Chajira, are expected to play key roles as Kenya looks to use home advantage to upset their rivals.

Argentina also arrive determined after finishing runners-up in Dubai, where they narrowly lost 12-5 to South Africa in the final. Spain, who are familiar with Kenyan conditions through past Safari 7s tournaments, are targeting promotion and will rely on experienced captain Anne Fernández de Corres.

Brazil, known as the Yaras, come in as South American champions, while China bring discipline and fitness, with captain Dou Xinrong leading their charge.

In the men’s competition, six teams will battle it out in a round-robin format, with every side dreaming of a place in the top HSBC SVNS series.

Kenya’s Shujaa enter the tournament determined to make a statement. Co-captains George Ooro and Samwel Asati will guide the side, while Vincent Onyala and Patrick Odongo are among the key players to watch. The famous Kenya Corner is expected to provide nonstop energy from the stands.

The USA, under new technical guidance, arrive after valuable preparations at the Coral Coast 7s in Fiji. Germany, who have previously featured at the Safari 7s, were the first team to land in Nairobi as they look to use early preparation to their advantage.

Uruguay, who will host the second leg in Montevideo next month, aim to collect maximum points away from home. Canada come in high on confidence after winning the Dubai leg, while Belgium are considered dark horses capable of causing surprises.

Four of the teams — Kenya, Canada, Germany and Uruguay — featured at the 2024 SVNS Grand Finals in Madrid, showing the level of quality expected in Nairobi this weekend.

With promotion hopes, national pride, and passionate home support on the line, Nairobi is set for two days of high-intensity rugby action.

For lovers of the game, this Valentine’s weekend promises speed, power and unforgettable moments at Nyayo National Stadium.