Viral Tea Ke - : Rugby https://viraltea.co.ke/rss/category/rugby Viral Tea Ke - : Rugby en Powered by Mr Man Kenya Rugby Teams Chase SVNS 1 Dream After Mixed Nairobi Results https://viraltea.co.ke/kenya-rugby-teams-chase-svns-1-dream-after-mixed-nairobi-results https://viraltea.co.ke/kenya-rugby-teams-chase-svns-1-dream-after-mixed-nairobi-results Wed, 18 Mar 2026 23:34:17 +0300 admin Kenya Rugby Teams Chase SVNS 1 Dream After Mixed Nairobi Results Kenya’s Lionesses and Shujaa are gearing up for a strong showcase in the second and third rounds of the HSBC SVNS 2, as they aim to secure promotion to the top-tier HSBC SVNS 1 next season.

The Montevideo tournament in Uruguay takes place on March 21–22, followed by São Paulo, Brazil, on March 28–29. Both events mark crucial opportunities for the teams to build on their performances from the opening leg in Nairobi.

The Lionesses announced a 13-player squad featuring Faith Livoi and Christabel Lindo, who missed the Nairobi leg, alongside captain Sheila Chajira, Naomi Amuguni, Charity Nillah, Stellah Wafula, Edith Nariaka, Judith Auma, Sinaida Mokaya, Moreen Muritu, Janet Okello, Freshia Oduor, and Marvel Oswago.

“We are grateful for our fans’ incredible support in Nairobi. Our focus now shifts to Uruguay and Brazil, where we aim to win our matches and secure qualification for Division One. We also thank Safaricom, through M-PESA, for their continued support in elevating our game both on and off the pitch,” said captain Sheila Chajira.

Shujaa named a 14-man squad including regulars George Ooro, Samuel Asati, Vincent Onyala, Kevin Wekesa, Nygel Amaitsa, Dennis Abukuse, John Okoth, Kevin Wambua, and Patrick Odongo. Brian Tanga returns after a long injury layoff, while Gabriel Ayimba earns his first call-up to the national sevens side. Other squad members are Chrisant Ojwang, Festus Shiasi, Floyd Wabwire, and David Nyangige.

The opening leg at Nyayo National Stadium saw Shujaa finish third behind the United States and Germany, while the Lionesses placed fifth.

“Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses have once again shown the grit, discipline, and fighting spirit that define Kenyan rugby. With M-PESA supporting the teams through our partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union, the players can focus fully on their game.

"I wish them the very best as they head to Uruguay and Brazil for the next rounds of the HSBC SVNS 2, where they will showcase the skill and determination that have made Kenya a force on the global rugby stage,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa.

Under a two-year partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union, M-PESA supports both teams with monthly allowances, comprehensive medical insurance, airtime, and financial literacy programs, ensuring players can focus on rugby while enjoying reliable financial backing.

The HSBC SVNS 2 is part of the global HSBC SVNS series, bringing fast-paced, high-intensity rugby sevens action to the international stage.

]]> Kenya Rugby Union Explains Viral Incident Of Female Journalist Harassed At HSBC SVNS 2 https://viraltea.co.ke/kenya-rugby-union-explains-viral-incident-of-female-journalist-harassed-at-hsbc-svns-2 https://viraltea.co.ke/kenya-rugby-union-explains-viral-incident-of-female-journalist-harassed-at-hsbc-svns-2 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 22:00:58 +0300 Marvin Chege Kenya Rugby Union Explains Viral Incident Of Female Journalist Harassed At HSBC SVNS 2

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has broken its silence following a viral incident involving a journalist and security officers during the HSBC SVNS 2 Series at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

KRU released a statement on Tuesday evening, February 17, two days after the incident was captured on camera, showing online sports journalist Ruckiel Odikor, popularly known as Rix, manhandled by security personnel during her live coverage of the international rugby event.

In the clip obtained by Viral Tea, Odikor was seen seemingly arguing with the personnel next to a standby ambulance, all while one of them, wearing a blue shirt, was seen approaching her from behind to restrain her.

Photo of online sports journalist Ruckiel Odikor, popularly known as Rix. /LINE SPORTS NEWS

Amidst the altercation with the personnel, the man in blue could be seen violently shoving Odikor from the scene as one of the personnel in a reflector jacket joined in dragging her away from the area, much to her spirited resistance. The blue-shirted man then grabbed her waist and hurled her out of the stadium.

KRU, in the statement, acknowledged the growing public backlash after the video circulated online. According to the union, the confrontation occurred after the media practitioner, known for founding Sports Eye Media, allegedly accessed a restricted zone near the track and medical area without proper accreditation clearance.

“KRU does not condone excessive force under any circumstances,” the union stated, while also stressing that ignoring safety protocols in sensitive areas “creates risk and cannot be permitted.”

The rugby body explained that restricted zones around the field — including medical response sections and player recovery areas — are tightly controlled to protect injured athletes, ensure smooth medical operations, and maintain match integrity. Security personnel reportedly intervened to enforce these rules, leading to the viral scuffle.

KRU confirmed that investigations are underway involving event security teams and relevant authorities to establish what exactly happened. 

The incident sparked debate online, with concerns raised over both media freedom and the conduct of security officers at major sporting events. Numerous online users had identified one of the men who manhandled her as a head coach of a university rugby team and a police officer within the Administration Police, triggering calls for the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to intervene in the matter.

The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) condemned the assault, warning that growing hostility towards journalists was undermining sports coverage in the country.

"Journalism is not a crime, and a sports venue must never become a place of fear for accredited media professionals. We appreciate the cooperation so far shown by the Kenya Rugby Union and the security apparatus, and we are jointly working toward a swift resolution," stated SJAK in a statement.

“These incidents point to a systemic gap in the understanding and management of media relations within the sporting ecosystem,” the Association added, noting that the problem cuts across football, athletics, rugby, boxing, basketball, volleyball, and motorsport.

SJAK maintained that no dispute, procedural lapse, or misunderstanding can ever excuse the use of physical force against a journalist.

At the same time, the body pointed out that journalists carry professional obligations, noting that any behaviour falling short of expected standards would be handled internally through its disciplinary mechanisms. It emphasised that professionalism must be upheld by all parties.

To curb similar incidents in the future, SJAK urged that it be incorporated into Local Organising Committees for major international and high-risk local sporting events, arguing that early involvement would allow for better coordination on media access, zoning, and security briefings, ultimately minimising conflict and confusion.

Even as pressure mounts, KRU maintains it is committed to delivering international-standard tournaments while safeguarding athletes, fans, and accredited media, adding that it is engaging members of the press to address concerns and improve working conditions moving forward.

Kenyan rugby fans during HSBC SVNS 2 at Nyayo National Stadium. /KENYA RUGBY UNION
]]> List Of Banned Items & Tough Rules For Fans Heading To Nyayo Stadium For HSBC SVNS 2 https://viraltea.co.ke/list-of-banned-items-tough-rules-for-fans-heading-to-nyayo-stadium-for-hsbc-svns-2 https://viraltea.co.ke/list-of-banned-items-tough-rules-for-fans-heading-to-nyayo-stadium-for-hsbc-svns-2 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:51:22 +0300 Viral Tea Ke Writer List Of Banned Items & Tough Rules For Fans Heading To Nyayo Stadium For HSBC SVNS 2 Fans attending the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament at Nyayo National Stadium this weekend should be ready for strict entry rules, with organisers warning of no on-site parking, no sales of tickets at the gates, and a ban on outside food and drinks.

The two-day rugby sevens spectacle, set for February 14 and 15, 2026, is officially sold out, prompting tighter crowd management measures for what is Kenya’s historic rugby sevens tournament.

Event organisers are urging attendees to use alternative transport options such as ride-hailing apps, public buses, carpooling, or drop-offs to reach the stadium.

With large crowds expected, fans are also advised to arrive early to avoid long queues at the stadium’s multiple entry points.

Nyayo Stadium during the Safari 7s on October 12, 2025. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE

This year marks a milestone for the tournament, as full-capacity attendance has been achieved for the first time, leaving no tickets available at the gate.

Security will be a major focus, with police and stadium authorities coordinating closely to tackle ticket fraud. Anyone found attempting to enter with counterfeit tickets will face prosecution and will be denied access to the event.

Attendees should note that several items are strictly prohibited inside the stadium, including outside food and beverages, drones, pets, weapons, illegal substances, and other potentially dangerous items. Comprehensive security screenings will be in place at all four entry points to ensure compliance.

Entry is organised by ticket type: VIP and VVIP ticket holders must use the gate along Aerodrome Road, while standard ticket holders can enter through one gate on Lang’ata Road and two gates along Uhuru Highway.

Organisers have advised fans to have tickets ready for scanning, suggesting that screenshots be taken in advance to prevent delays at the turnstiles.

With forecasts predicting hot, sunny conditions over the weekend, fans are being encouraged to come prepared. Recommendations include sunscreen, bucket hats or caps, sunglasses, comfortable clothing, and staying hydrated throughout the day.

The organisers emphasised that proper preparation will enhance the overall fan experience amid long hours of high-intensity rugby action.

The HSBC SVNS 2 tournament also represents a key achievement for Kenya, which has become only the second African nation, after South Africa, to host a Division 2 leg of the global World Rugby Sevens Series. This development underscores Kenya’s growing status on the international rugby stage and the increasing competitiveness of its national teams.

Saturday’s schedule promises a full day of action with 18 matches lined up, alternating between women’s and men’s competitions. Kenya’s national teams—the Shujaa and the Lionesses—will face formidable international opponents, including squads from Canada, Belgium, South Africa, Argentina, and other countries spanning four continents.

Fans can expect high-paced, skillful matches as teams compete for critical points on the global sevens circuit.

The tournament continues through Sunday evening, concluding with semifinals and finals that will showcase elite teams from across the world, including the USA, Uruguay, Brazil, Germany, Spain, China, and Belgium.

The two-day event not only provides a platform for top-tier rugby but also brings together fans and athletes from diverse regions, celebrating the sport’s growing popularity in Kenya and Africa.

Organisers have stressed that adherence to the entry guidelines and security measures is critical for a smooth and safe event. From travel arrangements to ticket readiness and sun protection, fans are being asked to plan so they can fully enjoy the historic rugby showdown at Nyayo National Stadium.

A photo of Kenya rugby fans at a past World Rugby event. /WORLD RUGBY
]]> What Kenya Could Gain From Hosting HSBC Rugby SVNS 2 At Nyayo Stadium https://viraltea.co.ke/what-kenya-could-gain-from-hosting-hsbc-rugby-svns-2-at-nyayo-stadium https://viraltea.co.ke/what-kenya-could-gain-from-hosting-hsbc-rugby-svns-2-at-nyayo-stadium Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:04:31 +0300 Marvin Chege What Kenya Could Gain From Hosting HSBC Rugby SVNS 2 At Nyayo Stadium What would normally be an ordinary Valentine’s weekend will take on a different meaning in Nairobi, as attention shifts to Nyayo Stadium between February 14 and 15, 2026, when Kenya hosts the HSBC SVNS 2 — a landmark moment for the country’s rugby scene.

HSBC SVNS 2 is part of the World Rugby Sevens Series, a global circuit that brings together national teams in rugby sevens, the fast-paced version of the sport played with seven players per side and seven-minute halves. The format is built for speed, intensity, and entertainment, making it one of the most fan-friendly versions of rugby.

The “2” denotes the second leg of the series for the season. It sits within the broader HSBC SVNS calendar, which represents the top tier of international rugby sevens, featuring elite teams such as Fiji, New Zealand, South Africa, and Kenya. Each leg contributes crucial points that shape overall rankings and progression across the series.

Nyayo Stadium during the Safari 7s on October 12, 2025. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE

By hosting the tournament, Kenya becomes only the second African nation, after South Africa, to stage a World Rugby Sevens event, reinforcing its growing reputation as a capable host of major international competitions. The tournament also builds on recent momentum following Kenya’s co-hosting of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with Uganda and Tanzania in August 2025.

Beyond sport, the event is expected to deliver a significant economic boost. International teams, match officials, broadcasters, and travelling fans are set to descend on Nairobi, driving demand across hospitality, transport, security, food, and entertainment sectors. 

With tickets already sold out, the tournament is projected to inject substantial revenue into the local economy over the two days.

Kenya’s chances at HSBC SVNS 2

Kenya’s teams, Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses, will enjoy home advantage, a factor that could prove decisive both in performance and morale. The stakes are high, as results across the SVNS circuit determine promotion, survival, and long-term competitiveness, with underperforming teams often forced into extended rebuilding phases.

From a broader perspective, hosting the event places Kenya in a strong strategic position. Welcoming teams from across the world sends a clear message that the country can successfully deliver high-stakes sporting events beyond football.

Corporate interest around the tournament is also expected to rise, opening the door to increased sponsorship, investment, and commercial growth for Kenyan rugby. Off the pitch, fan zones, activations, and entertainment are set to transform the event into a festival-like experience, deepening fan engagement and expanding rugby’s appeal.

Shujaa remains one of Kenya’s most valued national teams, alongside Harambee Stars and elite track athletes, underscoring the strong emotional and commercial pull rugby holds locally.

With anticipation building, the tournament presents a prime opportunity to attract new audiences, especially as rugby sevens continues to grow as an experience-driven spectacle.

Schedule

Ahead of the event, World Rugby released the match schedule for the opening leg. The women’s competition will begin at 9 am EAT, with China facing Argentina in the opening match, followed 22 minutes later by Spain taking on South Africa.

The first round of women’s fixtures will conclude with the Kenya Lionesses clashing with Brazil, a match expected to draw strong home support.

In the men’s competition, the United States will open against Belgium before Uruguay face Germany. The opening session will close with a highly anticipated showdown at 10:50 am, as Shujaa take on Canada in what is expected to be a high-energy encounter.

Confirmed Participating Teams

Men: The men’s line-up includes Kenya, the United States, Uruguay, Germany, Belgium, and Canada, all of whom qualified through the SVNS 3 pathway.

Women: The women’s competition features Kenya, Brazil, Spain, China, South Africa, and Argentina, who also progressed via SVNS 3.

Ultimately, hosting HSBC SVNS 2 positions Kenya as a serious contender in global sports hosting, boosts tourism, strengthens the local rugby ecosystem, and elevates the country’s international sporting profile.

Kenya Lionesses in action during the World Rugby Sevens Repechage at Louis II Stadium on June 23, 2024 in Monaco. /KENYA RUGBY UNION
]]> Kenya Sevens Legend Humphrey Kayange Appointed To Lead Team In Special Olympics https://viraltea.co.ke/kenya-sevens-legend-humphrey-kayange-appointed-to-lead-team-in-special-olympics https://viraltea.co.ke/kenya-sevens-legend-humphrey-kayange-appointed-to-lead-team-in-special-olympics Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:54:00 +0300 Marvin Chege Kenya Sevens Legend Humphrey Kayange Appointed To Lead Team In Special Olympics

Former Kenyan rugby union player, Humphrey Kayange, who is also a Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has been appointed Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) for the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games.

The appointment was made by IOC President Thomas Bach at the request of IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry on Wednesday, April 30. Coventry stepped down from the position following her election to lead the IOC earlier this year.

Kayange is a distinguished former athlete who represented Kenya in rugby sevens for over a decade, captaining the national team, winning the Singapore Sevens in 2016.

Kenyan rugby legend Humphrey Kayange awarding silver medals to Fiji players at the Paris Olympic Games on July 27, 2024. /TEAM KENYA

His achievements have earned him recognition in the World Rugby Sevens Series. Kayange, a trained biochemist, was first inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2021, joining a distinguished group that included Osea Kolinisau, Huriana Manuel, Cheryl McAfee, Will Carling, and Jim Telfer.

He played a pivotal role in the campaign to reintroduce rugby to the Olympic Games. In 2009, Kayange was one of three representatives—alongside the late Jonah Lomu and Kazakhstan’s Anastasia Khanova—who presented the case to the IOC Congress in Denmark. 

Their efforts led to rugby sevens being reinstated at the Olympics, making its return at the Rio 2016 Games after an absence since 1932.

An IOC Member since 2021 and a member of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, Kayange has served on the Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission since 2022.

His broader leadership experience includes roles on the Executive Committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and positions within national sports governance, including Chair of the Kenyan National Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, and board memberships with the Kenya Rugby Union and Kenya Academy of Sports.

In his new role, Kayange will oversee the Commission’s work in supporting the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee.

He will collaborate closely with National Olympic Committees, International Federations, key stakeholders in the Olympic Movement, and local authorities to ensure the successful planning and delivery of the first Olympic event to be hosted on the African continent.

Commenting on his appointment, Kayange said: “My vision is driven by empowering young athletes. I am honoured to serve the Olympic Movement and help provide a platform for young people to pursue excellence.

"Dakar 2026 will unite young athletes from around the world, celebrating African innovation and the Olympic spirit," he remarked.

Kayange is set to chair the upcoming Coordination Commission meeting in Dakar, Senegal, on May 7 and 8, which will also be attended by the IOC President-elect.

The Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026 will be held from October 31 for a duration of two weeks. The event will bring together the world’s top athletes aged 17 and under, with competitions taking place across three locations: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.

Kenyan rugby legend Humphrey Kayange during a past match. /FACEBOOK
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