Nairobi is set for another major rugby sevens showcase as the 2026 Safari Sevens returns to Nyayo National Stadium from October 9 to 11, with Kenya’s newly crowned continental champions, the Morans, heading into the tournament on a high.
The Morans sealed the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens title in Mauritius on Sunday after edging Madagascar 15-12 in a thrilling final, ending the Makis’ four-match winning run against Kenya and reclaiming the continental crown they last won in 2023.
Their attention now shifts to home soil, where they will join a strong field that include the seniors Shujaa for the 28th edition of Safari Sevens .
The Morans have been drawn in Pool C alongside Zimbabwe, Gel Squad 7s and Wonder Sevens, setting up an interesting group as they seek to carry their momentum from Mauritius into Kenya’s flagship sevens tournament.
Their inclusion adds significant interest to the competition, with the continental champions arriving with confidence after overcoming Madagascar and South Africa in their final two matches in Mauritius.
While the Morans will be seeking another strong showing, defending champions Kenya 7s seniors Shujaa will headline Pool A as they chase a remarkable fifth consecutive Safari Sevens title.
Shujaa have been drawn alongside Uganda, SportPesa Fast Forward 7s and Scotland in what promises to be a demanding pool. Their pursuit of a five-peat adds another layer of intrigue to a tournament that has traditionally brought together leading teams from Kenya, Africa and beyond.
Pool B will feature Shogun, French Renegades, South Carolina Nomads and Wellington Jaguars, giving fans an international mix alongside the established Kenyan sides.
The tournament will once again provide a platform for emerging players and established stars to share the same stage, with the three-day competition expected to attract a strong crowd at Nyayo.
For the Morans, however, Safari Sevens presents an immediate opportunity to build on their Mauritius triumph. Their success against Madagascar demonstrated their ability to recover from setbacks and perform under pressure, qualities they will need as they face Zimbabwe and two other challengers in Pool C.
The tournament also gives Kenya’s wider sevens setup another chance to assess its depth, with Shujaa and the Morans both featuring among the headline attractions.
With the continental title safely back in Kenyan hands, attention now turns to Nyayo, where the Morans will look to continue their winning momentum while Shujaa begin their quest for an unprecedented fifth straight Safari Sevens crown.
2026 Safari Sevens Pools
