World Rugby has officially confirmed Kenya as the host of the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS 2, a landmark achievement that cements the country’s rise as a global rugby destination.
The Nairobi tournament, set for 14–15 February 2026, will launch the second season of the revamped international sevens circuit — and for the first time, bring top-tier World Rugby competition to Kenyan soil.
The confirmation marks a historic moment not only for Kenya but for East Africa at large. Nairobi now becomes the starting point of the three-leg Division 2 calendar, with Brazil and Uruguay selected to host the subsequent rounds.
The decision places Kenya at the centre of the sport’s global expansion strategy and reinforces the nation’s growing status in international rugby.
By securing hosting rights, Kenya takes a significant step in its long-running ambition to position rugby as a major pillar of its sporting identity. For decades, sevens rugby has been woven into the country’s cultural fabric, energizing stadiums and capturing the imagination of fans across generations.
The 2026 tournament—officially branded the HSBC Nairobi Sevens—will showcase high-stakes action across both the men’s and women’s divisions. In the men’s category, Shujaa will battle USA, Uruguay, and Germany, all of whom harbor their own ambitions for early momentum in the race for promotion to the top tier. These matchups are expected to produce high-intensity encounters, with home support likely to give Shujaa an edge.
The Kenya Lionesses will headline the women’s competition, facing Brazil, China, and Spain. With Kenya’s women’s sevens side continuing to grow in stature, the tournament offers them a rare chance to play for promotion in front of a roaring home crowd. The women’s matches are anticipated to draw strong fan engagement, reflecting the country’s rising interest in women’s sport.
Kenya’s successful hosting bid did not emerge overnight. It represents the culmination of decades of investment, resilience, and consistent proof of capability.
The annual Safari Sevens, long recognized as one of Africa’s most popular rugby festivals, has historically drawn international teams and demonstrated Kenya’s organisational strength. Complementing it were major global events such as the World Rugby U20 Trophy, hosted in Nairobi in 2009 and again in 2023, both of which earned praise for strong attendance and smooth execution.
In September 2025, buoyed by improved rugby structures, growing government involvement, and the national team’s return to prominence, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) formally submitted a bid to host one of the HSBC SVNS Division 2 legs. This initiated months of technical evaluations by World Rugby.
Earlier this month, a World Rugby delegation carried out comprehensive assessments across potential venues, including Nyayo National Stadium, Talanta Sports City Stadium, and the accommodation and logistics network that would support thousands of visiting fans, teams, and officials. The successful running of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens at RFUEA Grounds further bolstered confidence in Kenya’s preparedness.
The evaluations validated Kenya’s infrastructural readiness, its growing commercial market, and its reputation as one of the world’s most passionate sevens audiences — ultimately leading to the historic greenlight.
KRU Chairperson Harriet Okach welcomed the announcement with optimism, framing it as a turning point for the sport’s development in the country.
“The Kenya Rugby Union is honoured by the trust World Rugby has placed in us with the announcement that Kenya will host the HSBC SVNS 2 on 14–15 February 2026,” Okach said. “This milestone presents a significant opportunity for Kenya Rugby and the nation at large. Hosting this event will strengthen our global presence, expand commercial potential, and inspire the next generation of players.”
Beyond the competition itself, the Nairobi leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 is projected to deliver substantial benefits to Kenya’s economy and international profile.
With the announcement, Kenya now stands at the threshold of a transformative era. For Shujaa and the Lionesses, the chance to chase promotion at home is unprecedented — boosted by the energy of fans who have supported Kenyan sevens through triumphs and challenges.