Kenya shines in Sao Paulo as Lionesses and Shujaa deliver standout performances in HSBC SVNS 2 finale

The final leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 Series in Sao Paulo produced drama, passion, and unforgettable rugby and Kenya was at the heart of it all. Both the Kenya Lionesses and Shujaa delivered inspired performances, pushing title contenders to the limit and influencing the final outcomes of the women’s and men’s tournaments.

The women’s and men’s competitions went down to the wire, with hosts Brazil and Belgium taking the eventual titles, but Kenya’s displays ensured they were among the standout teams of the weekend.

Heading into the final match of the three-tournament series, Kenya’s Lionesses appeared primed to secure the last qualification ticket to the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series. Their emphatic 46-0 demolition of China, powered by four tries from Freshia Oduor and a double from **Faith Livoi**, had placed them firmly in control of their destiny.

But hosts Brazil, backed by a roaring São Paulo crowd, produced a stunning performance to edge Kenya 24-12 in the deciding match. Brazil’s Camilla Carvalho and Thalia Costa each scored a brace to seal the title and the final qualification spot. Despite the loss, the Lionesses walked away with plaudits for their aggression, discipline, and raw athleticism throughout the tournament.

Earlier, Brazil’s 38-7 win over Spain had set up the showdown with Kenya, while Argentina’s 19-5 victory over South Africa extended China’s hopes hopes that later faded as South Africa rallied to beat China 14-10.

On the men’s side, Shujaa played a pivotal role in determining the Sao Paulo champion. After Uruguay secured early qualification with a tight 24-19 win over Belgium, Kenya stepped up in the penultimate match to hand the South Americans a 26-14 defeat, finishing their campaign on a high.

That result left Kenya level on points with Belgium, and despite Shujaa’s strong showing including a dominant 31-14 win over USA earlier in the day, powered by a David Nyagige brace Belgium’s narrow 14-12 win over Kenya on day one gave the Europeans the edge and the Sao Paulo title.

Uruguay, USA, Germany and Kenya had already booked their places in the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series after steady performances across Nairobi, Montevideo, and Sao Paulo.

Next up for both Kenya squads are the three HSBC SVNS World Championship tournaments, beginning in Hong Kong on 17 April, moving to Valladolid in May, and concluding in Bordeaux in June.

In the men’s draw, Shujaa will line up against the eight core HSBC SVNS Series teams: South Africa, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, France, Argentina, Spain and Great Britain.

In the women’s category, the Lionesses join New Zealand, Australia, USA, France, Canada, Fiji, Japan and Great Britain, as well as fellow qualifiers Argentina, Spain, South Africa and Brazil.

With their Sao Paulo performances showcasing resilience, power and rising consistency, **Kenya enters the World Championship Series as one of the most exciting teams to watch on both sides of the competition.**