HSBC SVNS 2 brings extra buzz to Nairobi this Valentine’s Day

Dear lovers, Happy Valentine’s Day!

For rugby enthusiasts, however, this day of love is set to get even merrier as Nyayo National Stadium throws its doors open for the HSBC SVNS 2 from Saturday, 14 to Sunday, 15 February.

It is the first time the tournament is staged in Kenya, and a sold-out stadium is expected to elevate the experience.

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Mozzart Sport gives you a sneak peek into the action to anticipate this weekend, and don’t forget, the afterparty awaits.

Women’s Preview

Africa 7s champions South Africa arrive in Nairobi fresh from winning the HSBC SVNS 3 in Dubai, hoping momentum will carry them to another dominant performance. From the squad that triumphed at the Africa 7s in November and in Dubai, coach Cecil Afrika will miss Vianca Boer (injury) and Lerato Makua (provincial duty).

In their place, debutant Shannon-Lee Windvogel joins the team. Captain Nadine Roose leads once again, supported by speedsters Ayanda Malinga and Maria Tshriemba, who look to ignite South Africa’s attack.

Hosts Kenya Lionesses rely on home advantage and passionate support at Nyayo Stadium. Coach Simon Odongo will be without the hard-hitting Faith Livoi but welcomes back the pace of Janet Okello.

Two debutants, Marvel Oswago and Charity Nila, are keen to impress after missing out on last year’s Africa 7s. Alongside Okello, fans can expect strong performances from Grace Adhiambo, now playing for Toulouse in France, as well as Freshia Awino and Sheila Chajira.

Meanwhile, Argentina arrive with confidence after reaching the HSBC SVNS 3 final in Dubai, narrowly losing 12–5 to South Africa. Determined to go one step further, they will rely on captain Sofia Gonzalez and the speedy Maria Paula Pedrozo to spearhead their campaign.

Spain are no strangers to Kenya, having featured in the Safari 7s through franchises such as the Costa Blanca Barbarians. They aim to begin strongly in Nairobi as they chase promotion to join their men’s team in the HSBC SVNS top tier. Veteran captain Anne Fernández de Corres, with 83 appearances since her 2015 debut, anchors the squad, supported by Silvia Morales, Paula Requena, and Olivia Fresneda in a blend of youth and experience.

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Brazil, known as the Yaras arrive as continental champions after winning the Sudamérica Rugby Women’s Sevens Championship, defeating Colombia and Argentina along the way. Led by experienced captain Mariana Nicolau, a two-time Olympian, Brazil will look to turn lessons learned into victories.

Asia’s sole representatives, China, bring fitness and discipline as their main strengths. Dou Xinrong, who debuted in 2023, captains the side and has already appeared at major continental tournaments and the Paris 2024 Olympics. Le Zhang’s tactical kicking and the pace of Sun Yue add further attacking threat.

Men’s Preview

Six men’s teams will face off in a round-robin format, with all six sides capable of competing in the HSBC SVNS top tier on their day. Here is what to look forward to this weekend:

Hosts Kenya enter the competition hoping for a strong performance to boost their ambitions of returning to the HSBC SVNS Series. They will count on the vibrant Kenya Corner for support, with co-captains George Ooro and Samwel Asati, alongside Vincent Onyala and Patrick Odongo, key players to watch.

The USA arrive under the guidance of a former Eagles international now serving as head coach. The team recently competed at the Coral Coast 7s in Fiji, where they gained valuable clarity by testing themselves against international opposition. Steve Tomasin captains the side in Nairobi.

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Germany are another side familiar with Nairobi’s atmosphere, having featured multiple times at the Safari 7s; most recently in 2023. They were also the first team to arrive ahead of the tournament and will hope early preparation pays off. Leadership will come from Felix Hufnagel, who featured at the 2024 SVNS Grand Finals in Madrid.

Uruguay, who will host the second leg of HSBC SVNS 2 in Montevideo from 21–22 March, aim to collect maximum points in Nairobi before returning home. Traditionally a physical side, Los Teros will look to translate that strength into results, with speedster Tomas Etcheverry among those expected to shine.

Canada arrive in form after winning the HSBC SVNS 3 tournament in Dubai last month. They defeated Belgium 28–10 in the final after losing to them earlier in the tournament. With the two sides set to meet again in Nairobi, Canada will hope to rediscover that winning spark. Lockie Kratz, Kal Sager and Johnny Franklin will be central to their ambitions.

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Belgium, despite losing that Dubai final, come into the weekend energized and confident in their ability to deliver strong results. Returning squad members include Hugues Bastin, Jean-Prieur de Plessis, Julien Berger, Samuel Couplan and Tornike Megrelidze. Tagged as dark horses, they will be aiming to cause several upsets.

Four of the six teams; Kenya, Canada, Germany and Uruguay, featured in the 2024 SVNS Grand Finals in Madrid, underlining the pedigree and competitiveness fans can expect this weekend.