NAIROBI, Kenya, February 16, 2026 – Valentine’s Day has always been a day on which even the most ‘gangsta’ of men let the guard rails loose off their hearts and reveal their mushy and mellow side.
Be it acts of service, giving of gifts, words of affirmation, physical touch or quality, this day has always been an opportunity for people to display their love for one another and strengthen their relationships.
This year was no different as the Nairobi CBD was swarmed with the colour red, including flowers, clothes and chocolates, among other gifts.
For every rugby lover, the place to be was at the Nyayo Stadium where Kenya was hosting the World Rugby 7s Division 2 tournament for the first time in its history.
The tournament featured 12 teams from around the world, including the hosts Shujaa (men) and Lionesses (women).
The hype had been building since the turn of the year and come Saturday, it did not disappoint.
As early as 8 am, fans were already queueing at the different entry points, decked in the red, green and black colours of the Kenyan flag.
The stands were a sea of red as enthusiasts gradually filled every seat at the 18,000-seater stadium in an overflowing show of love for the home teams.
As the Master of Ceremony (MC) announced that the Lionesses would be taking to the pitch for the first match against Brazil, there was a chorus of cheers as the fans screamed themselves hoarse in anticipation of what was to come.
By the time Shujaa ran on to the pitch to face Canada in their first match at 10:44 am, the cheers were defeaning.
Fans waved miniature Kenyans flag, jumping up and down on their feet in ecstacy.
Not even Romeo and Juliet — considered the paragon of love — were so much into each other like this.
Every touch…every opportunity that opened up for the Lionesses and Shujaa was applauded loudly by those in the stands.
It did not matter the age, race, gender or socio-economic status; Saturday was a day when Kenyans were united in love for the 24 men and women who had laid their lives on the pitch to put the country’s status on a high pedestal on the global stage.
Sunday was no different as fans milled to the gates from all corners of the capital.
By 11 am, the whole stadium was packed to capacity, even at the media tribune, which is normally reserved for members of the fourth estate.
In between the breaks, Capital FM — the media and entertainment partner for the tournament — were on hand to keep the fans on their feet with spellbinding music.
Music to the ears; indeed, what more could one ask for than the legendary DJ UV, DJ Schwaz, DJ Pikachu and DJ K-Deja who were on duty to quench the thirsting ears of all those who were at the stadium?
It was more than just an appetiser to the entertainment that awaited at the Tusker Village on Saturday and Sunday evening; it was the party before the party — or was it party after party?
Party in the stands…party on the pitch as Shujaa tore their opponents one-by-one — of course with the exception of the United States.
It may have not been a good day in office for the Lionesses but nonetheless, they won hearts with their gallant display and standing up to their more erstwhile opponents.
As the curtains came down on the event, everybody went home with more than enough memories to rewind in their minds and smile — wishing they could go back and do it again.
New relationships were made, the broken ones were restored and others were strengthened — all because of the love of rugby.
That is the midas touch of sports — more specifically rugby.
It was truly an unforgettable rugby weekend to remember for eons to come.
