While the Lionesses stumbled, the Shujaa gave the Nyayo Stadium faithful a reason to roar, securing a podium finish in the inaugural HSBC SVNS 2.

The atmosphere at Nyayo National Stadium was electric, a cacophony of vuvuzelas and cheering that only Nairobi can produce. In the end, it wasn't the gold medal the home crowd craved, but the Shujaa's bronze-medal performance at the HSBC SVNS 2 opening leg served as a powerful statement of intent: Kenyan rugby is fighting its way back to the top table.

Under the floodlights, Coach Kevin Wambua's men salvaged national pride after a heartbreaking semi-final exit. Their 3rd place finish, securing 12 vital league points, positions them well for the long season ahead, trailing only the tournament winners Germany and runners-up USA.

A Tale of Two Teams

The weekend was a mix of exhilaration and frustration for local fans, as the men's and women's sides experienced vastly different fortunes.

• The Shujaa (Men): They played with the flair and physicality that is their trademark. Despite a tough 5-17 loss to the USA in the decisive stages, they rallied to secure Bronze. Captain George Ooro was a standout, his relentless work rate earning him the Player of the Tournament accolade—a rare feat for a player from the third-placed team.
• The Lionesses (Women): It was a sobering outing for the women's side. Plagued by handling errors and defensive lapses, they finished a disappointing 5th. Their campaign was a stark contrast to the men, highlighting the need for urgent technical restructuring if they are to challenge the likes of Argentina (the women's champions) and China.

The Road to Montevideo

The HSBC SVNS 2 format is unforgiving. With Germany taking the gold and the maximum 20 points, Shujaa cannot afford to rest. The circuit now moves to Montevideo, Uruguay, next month. For Wambua, the Nairobi leg offered proof of concept: his squad has the firepower to compete. The challenge now is consistency.

"We wanted gold for the fans," Ooro said post-match, his medal glinting under the stadium lights. "But bronze means we are on the podium. We are in the fight. And in Uruguay, we go for the top step."