History as Nairobi secures rights to stage World SVNS Division 2 opener
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 26.11.25. | 17:01
The country has long been associated with vibrant rugby culture, consistently drawing enthusiastic crowds both locally and abroad
Kenya has officially been awarded hosting rights for one of the three HSBC SVNS Division 2 tournaments in the 2026 season, marking a major breakthrough for the country’s rugby ambitions.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, 26 November during the official launch of the HSBC SVNS 2026 season in Dubai, where World Rugby confirmed that Nairobi will stage the first outing of the new Division 2 circuit.
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The tournament, set for Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 February 2026, will be held at the Nyayo National Stadium and will be branded as the HSBC Nairobi Sevens.
The confirmation follows months of build-up, beginning September, where Kenya was fronted as the host one of the Division 2 legs.
A follow-up, later, disclosed that World Rugby officials had travelled to Nairobi to conduct a final assessment of the proposed venue and preparations, a visit that has now proven successful.
This development elevates Kenya’s global rugby status, cementing the nation’s reputation as a capable and passionate host.
The country has long been associated with vibrant rugby culture, consistently drawing enthusiastic crowds both locally and abroad.
The successful bid also arrives at a crucial moment for Shujaa and the Lionesses, who will both participate in Division 2 in 2026 and now have the advantage of competing on home soil in the opening event.
After the Nairobi tournament, the Division 2 series will proceed to Montevideo, Uruguay on 21–22 March before concluding in São Paulo, Brazil from 28–29 March.
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Across the three legs, six teams per gender, will compete for promotion places, with the top four teams earning advancement to the SVNS World Championship.
The promoted sides will join the eight Division 1 teams for the final three events of the season, which will be staged in Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux.
From the combined pool of 12 teams, the top eight finishers will secure Division 1 status for the 2027 SVNS campaign, adding significant competitive pressure to the opening rounds.
