Kenya has ushered in a landmark moment in its rugby history after World Rugby officially confirmed that Nairobi will host the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS Division 2 circuit on February 14–15, 2026. It will be the first time the country stages a global sevens series event, elevating Nyayo National Stadium into one of the newest destinations on the world rugby calendar and placing Kenya firmly on the international stage.
The announcement makes Nairobi the starting point of the three-leg SVNS 2 tour, which will later move to Brazil and Uruguay. For Kenyan fans, it sets up an unprecedented home spectacle, with both Shujaa and the Lionesses now preparing to compete in a world-circuit tournament in front of their own supporters an opportunity never seen before.
Kenya Rugby Union Chair Harriet Okatch expressed pride and gratitude at World Rugby’s decision, calling it a defining achievement for the country. She said the confirmation reflects deep trust from the global body and comes with enormous opportunity for the sport’s growth. “Hosting this event will strengthen our global presence, expand commercial potential, and inspire the next generation of players. We are committed to delivering an exceptional, world-class event that showcases elite rugby, celebrates our fans, and highlights the unique cultural vibrancy of Kenya. We look forward to welcoming the global rugby family to Nairobi for an unforgettable SVNS experience,” she said, capturing the magnitude of the moment.
KRU CEO Thomas Odundo echoed that sentiment, emphasising both pride and responsibility as Kenya prepares to welcome the world. “We are extremely delighted and privileged to have been selected to host the first leg of HSBC SVNS 2. It’s a great honour to have been chosen, and we would like to welcome everybody from near and far to the city of Nairobi for the event,” he noted, reflecting the Union’s readiness to deliver a tournament worthy of global standards.
On the pitch, the Nairobi leg promises intense competition. Shujaa will face the USA, Uruguay, and Germany in the men’s category, while the Lionesses energised by their recent continental run will take on Brazil, China, and Spain. With only six teams competing per gender, every fixture at Nyayo Stadium will carry significant weight as Kenya aims for a top-four finish and a pathway back to the elite tier.
Under the new SVNS Division 2 structure, the six teams per gender will battle across all three rounds, and once the series concludes, the top four will advance to the SVNS World Championship. There, they will join eight teams from Division 1 for the final three events in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux. From the 12 teams in that playoff stage, the best eight will earn promotion to Division 1 for the 2027 campaign a demanding but attainable route, especially with Kenya launching its campaign at home.
For Shujaa and the Lionesses, the Nairobi tournament could not come at a better time. The teams have undergone periods of rebuilding, and the home crowd’s energy may be the spark needed to propel them towards promotion. February 2026 will therefore be more than an international competition; it will be a celebration of Kenyan rugby’s evolution, a national moment of pride, and the beginning of a new era on home soil.
