All eyes will be on Nyayo National Stadium this Valentine’s weekend as Kenya prepares to host a landmark event in modern rugby history. After months of meticulous preparation, the city is buzzing with anticipation as international teams begin arriving for the eagerly awaited HSBC SVNS 2, scheduled for February 14, 2026.
The USA squad, long-standing fixtures of the HSBC core circuit, touched down on Monday morning. Beaming with confidence, the Americans are ready to battle familiar foes in a grueling three-legged round-robin, aiming for a return to Division 1. They were joined on Monday by the Canadian men’s team and the Argentine women’s side.
Other international contenders are also filtering in: China’s women arrived Sunday to acclimatize to Nairobi’s heat, while Belgium (men) are expected tonight. Tomorrow will see a flurry of arrivals including Brazil, Uruguay, Spain, and finally, South Africa’s women’s team on Wednesday.
The home favorites, Kenya’s Shujaa, have been sharpening their skills on the Nyayo turf. The men will launch their campaign against Canada on Saturday at 9:50 AM, shortly after the Kenyan women’s team opens the tournament against Brazil at 9:44 AM.
While Kenya has long been a powerhouse on the global circuit—dazzling crowds in cities like Dubai, Hong Kong, and Vancouver—this marks a historic milestone. For the first time, a nation outside of South Africa will host a leg of this prestigious series on African soil, inviting the rugby world to experience Kenyan hospitality and passion firsthand.
