Nairobi, Kenya – The HSBC SVNS Nairobi 2026 tournament commenced today, , at Nyayo National Stadium, marking the opening round of HSBC SVNS 2. Twelve teams are competing for a place in the HSBC SVNS Championship, with matches continuing through .
The tournament features both men’s and women’s sevens competitions. Early matches on Saturday saw China 7s defeat Argentina 7s in the women’s bracket, while Spain 7s overcame South Africa 7s. Brazil 7s secured a win against Kenya 7s, also in the women’s competition. In the men’s series, USA 7s defeated Belgium 7s, and Uruguay 7s triumphed over Germany 7s. Kenya 7s secured a victory against Canada 7s.
The stakes are high as teams vie for a top-four finish across the six-week, three-tournament series – Nairobi, Montevideo, and Sao Paulo – to qualify for the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series. The championship itself will involve 24 teams competing across Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux later in the year.
Several teams are looking to regain their position in the top tier of sevens rugby. Kenya, Uruguay, and Brazil, all of whom have previously competed in the main HSBC SVNS competition, are aiming for a return to prominence. South Africa, Spain, and Argentina’s women’s teams are also seeking to join their male counterparts in the Championship tournament. Canada and the USA’s men’s teams are hoping to emulate the success of their women’s squads in reaching the Championship.
The atmosphere at Nyayo National Stadium is particularly charged, as the Kenyan team plays on home soil. Samuel Asati, captain of the Kenyan men’s team, emphasized the importance of the home advantage and the team’s commitment to their fans. We’re going to play in front of our fans — we’ve been traveling with our fans 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],
Asati stated. He further expressed the team’s ambition to begin their journey back to Division One, setting the tone for the remainder of the series.
The tournament’s opening day featured a series of closely contested matches. In the women’s series, Spain faced Argentina in a second match, while Brazil competed against South Africa. China 7s played Kenya 7s. In the men’s series, Uruguay faced the USA, and Germany battled Canada. Kenya 7s then took on Belgium. Further matches included Brazil versus Argentina in the women’s series, China 7s versus Spain, and Kenya 7s versus South Africa. Upcoming matches on Saturday include USA 7s versus Canada 7s, Uruguay 7s versus Belgium 7s, and Kenya 7s versus Germany 7s.
The HSBC SVNS Nairobi 2026 represents a crucial stage in the qualification process for the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series. The competition is fierce, with teams demonstrating a high level of skill, and determination. The sold-out Nyayo National Stadium provides a vibrant backdrop for the tournament, fueling the Kenyan team’s ambition and adding to the excitement for fans.
The tournament’s structure involves a pool stage, followed by knockout rounds. The results of the matches in Nairobi will significantly impact the standings and determine which teams advance to the next stage of the series in South America. The outcome of these matches will not only affect the participating teams but also shape the landscape of international sevens rugby for the remainder of the year.
The presence of established sevens nations alongside emerging teams like Uruguay and Brazil highlights the growing global appeal of the sport. The HSBC SVNS series aims to promote the development of rugby sevens worldwide, providing a platform for players to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level. The tournament in Nairobi is a testament to the sport’s increasing popularity and its potential to reach new audiences.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matches and intense competition. The teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and exploit any weaknesses in their opponents’ game. The HSBC SVNS Nairobi 2026 is set to be a memorable event, showcasing the best of rugby sevens and providing a glimpse into the future of the sport.
