Nairobi: The 2026 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series will take place in Kenya, marking a significant milestone for the nation as it becomes only the second African country, following South Africa, to host a leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series. The opening leg is set for February 14th and 15th, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
According to Kenya News Agency, the tournament will feature both men’s and women’s national teams competing in separate pools under the SVNS2 Series. This series represents the newly established second tier in World Rugby’s three-level international sevens structure for the 2026 season, acting as a bridge between the elite HSBC SVNS Series and the entry-level SVNS 3.
Kenya’s men’s team, Shujaa, will compete against teams from the USA, Uruguay, Germany, Canada, and Belgium. Meanwhile, the Kenya Lionesses will face off against teams from Brazil, China, Spain, South Africa, and Argentina. Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okach emphasized the significance of this event for Kenya, stating that it presents an opportunity to strengthen global presence, expand commercial potential, and inspire future players.
The tournament promises a packed schedule, with Shujaa facing Canada, Belgium, and Germany on the opening day, while the Lionesses will play against Brazil, China, and South Africa. On the final day, Shujaa will meet Uruguay and the USA, while the Lionesses will conclude their fixtures against Argentina and Spain.
Teams in the SVNS2 Series earn points throughout the tournament, with the top four at the season’s end qualifying for the SVNS World Championship events. This pathway offers emerging rugby nations a chance to compete at the elite level, fostering global growth in the sport.
The 2026 series will begin in Nairobi, before moving to Montevideo, Uruguay, and concluding in So Paulo, Brazil. Kenya’s teams qualified through the World Rugby’s Challenger route, with the Lionesses securing their spot by topping the 2025 Challenger Series and winning the promotion playoffs in Los Angeles.
Corporate sponsors like Kenya Breweries Limited, SportPesa, and Safaricom are providing significant financial support for the event, bolstered by contributions from other partners such as the Ministry of Sports and Crown Paints. Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira expressed gratitude for this backing, inviting fans to come and support the teams as they aim to make history.
