HSBC SVNS 2: Germany have final say in Nairobi as Kenya Settles for Bronze

Kenya’s national men’s sevens side, Shujaa, settled for third place in the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS Division 2 circuit losing 21–5 to the USA on Sunday, 15 February at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. Heading into the clash unbeaten, the Kevin Wambua-coached side had posted victories over Canada, Germany, Belgium, and Uruguay, raising hopes of a place in the final match. Lucas Lucamp caught the Kenyan defense off guard to score the opening try before converting to hand the USA a halftime lead. Aaron Cummings crossed over in the 10th minute before Adam Channel added another try in the dying moments, with Lucamp again successful with the extras. Kenya salvaged pride in added time when captain George Ooro shrugged off his marker and sprinted into the try area, ensuring the hosts ended the match on the scoreboard. The defeat confirmed Shujaa’s third-place finish overall, with Germany crowned tournament winners and the USA settling for second. In the women’s competition, the Lionesses endured another difficult outing, going down 14–5 to Spain. Their campaign yielded only one victory, against Brazil, and they will be looking to regroup ahead of the next round. Argentina emerged as champions in the women’s category, followed by South Africa in second place and Spain in third. The Nairobi tournament marked the opening stop of the SVNS Division 2 circuit, which now shifts to Montevideo, Uruguay, on March 21–22 before concluding in São Paulo, Brazil, on March 28–29.