Nyayo National Stadium once again rose to the occasion as thousands turned up across two days to witness the 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 unfold in spectacular fashion. The stands were full, the atmosphere relentless, and the appreciation extended beyond national lines. Kenyan fans cheered brilliance wherever it came from.

For Shujaa, it was a campaign that promised silverware but ultimately delivered a hard-fought third-place finish.

After a flawless opening day that saw Kenya beat Canada, dismantle Belgium and edge Germany in dramatic fashion, Sunday presented a defining stretch. Shujaa began strongly against Uruguay, controlling possession and tempo to secure a composed 17–7 victory. That result kept their title hopes alive heading into a decisive clash with the USA.

But the final hurdle proved costly.

The Americans defended resolutely and struck first through Lucas Lacamp, who broke clear to open the scoring. Kenya pushed but struggled to breach a disciplined defensive wall. In the second half, Aaron Cummings powered over from a set piece before Adam Channel extended the advantage further. George Ooro’s late try injected brief hope, but the 21–5 defeat snapped Kenya’s remarkable 27 – match home winning streak dating back to 2021.

When the final standings were confirmed, Germany topped the table with 13 points, while USA and Kenya both finished on 12 Shujaa settling for third on points difference.

The Kenya Lionesses endured a more turbulent run. After beginning with a narrow win over Brazil, they struggled to maintain momentum across both days. A tight 5–0 loss to Argentina on Sunday morning dented their charge, and a 14–5 defeat to Spain later in the afternoon sealed a fifth-place finish.

Despite the setbacks, the Lionesses showed grit in patches, particularly in their defensive organization and early attacking phases. However, narrow margins and missed opportunities proved decisive.

On individual awards, George Ooro ‘Japolo’, whose relentless energy and explosiveness defined Kenya’s campaign , was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. His late sprint from inside his own 22 against the USA produced Kenya’s only try in that decisive clash, a moment that brought the stadium to its feet even in defeat. Across the weekend, Ooro’s work rate in defence, his support lines in attack, and his ability to break tackles made him a constant threat. In a tournament where Kenya scored freely against Canada, Belgium and Uruguay, his influence ran deeper than the score sheet, driving momentum, chasing turnovers, and lifting the crowd when the team needed it most.

Still, if results told one story, the stands told another. Teams took laps of honour to deafening applause. Supporters cheered not only Kenyan tries but moments of brilliance from visiting sides. The halftime entertainment kept fans engaged, and by the final whistle on Sunday evening, many lingered in their seats as if reluctant for it to end.

The path back to the top-tier league may be demanding, but this tournament delivered a powerful reminder: Kenya remains a rugby nation. The passion is alive. The platform is set. And if Nyayo is anything to go by, the journey back will not be walked alone.

Kenya’s Results – SVNS 2 Nairobi

Men – Kenya 7s

Kenya 29–12 Canada

Kenya 33–0 Belgium

Kenya 15–10 Germany

Kenya 17–7 Uruguay

Kenya 5–21 USA

Women – Kenya Lionesses

Kenya 14–12 Brazil

Kenya 12–15 China

Kenya 10–12 South Africa

Kenya 0–5 Argentina

Kenya 5–14 Spain