Nairobi is steadily slipping into tournament mode as teams from across the globe continue to arrive in the capital ahead of the HSBC SVNS 2, set to take centre stage at Nyayo National Stadium over the Valentine’s weekend of February 14–15. After months of planning and preparation, the early arrivals have signalled that the wait is almost over, with the city beginning to feel the pulse of international rugby sevens.

A significant portion of the competing teams are already on Kenyan soil, using the final days before kickoff to settle in, shake off travel fatigue and adjust to local conditions. Among the first to arrive were the United States, who touched down on Monday morning carrying both experience and ambition. Recently part of the HSBC core group, the Americans arrive in Nairobi determined to navigate Division Two successfully and chart a return to the top tier. Familiarity with several opponents in the field only adds to their confidence as they begin what promises to be a demanding three-leg campaign.

Canada’s men’s team also arrived on Monday, joining the growing list of early arrivals, while Argentina landed the same day, adding further quality to the Nairobi field. Their presence underlines the competitive depth expected at Nyayo, with teams keen to make early adjustments ahead of a tightly packed weekend schedule.

The women’s teams have also begun settling in, with China arriving on Sunday, deliberately timing their arrival to allow for proper acclimatisation to Nairobi’s warm conditions. The move reflects the increasing emphasis placed on marginal gains at this level, where recovery and adaptation can be just as important as form.

Monday evening saw Belgium’s men’s team arrive at 9:15 pm, rounding off a busy day at the airport. The flow of arrivals continued into the early hours of Tuesday, with Brazil’s women’s team landing at 1:40 am, followed closely by Uruguay’s men at 3:05 am. Later in the afternoon, Spain’s women’s side touched down at 1:45 pm, completing another full rotation of incoming teams.

The final arrival is expected on Wednesday morning, when South Africa’s women’s team lands in Nairobi at 6:40 am, bringing the full complement of competitors together just days before the opening whistle. With all teams in place, attention will quickly shift from travel logistics to final training sessions and tactical fine-tuning.

For the hosts, the build-up has been measured and deliberate. Shujaa, Kenya’s men’s team, have been conducting their final preparations at Nyayo National Stadium, familiarising themselves with the surface and surroundings they will call home over the weekend. The men will open their campaign against Canada on Saturday morning at 10:50 am, a fixture that will set the tone for Kenya’s push in Division Two.

The Kenya Lionesses will be the first of the two national sides to step onto the pitch, opening the tournament against Brazil at 9:44 am on Saturday. With a home crowd expected to fill the stands, the early kickoff offers an immediate chance to harness Nyayo’s energy and set the rhythm for the rest of the weekend.

As more teams arrive and final preparations intensify, Nairobi stands on the brink of another landmark moment in its rugby history. The HSBC SVNS 2 is no longer a distant date on the calendar. It is here, its cast assembled, its stage set, and its spotlight firmly fixed on Nyayo National Stadium.