Kenya earns continental praise after staging successful HSBC SVNS 2
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 17.02.26. | 16:54
More than 20,000 fans streamed into Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 February, creating an electric atmosphere as they cheered on their national sides
Kenya’s venture into hosting elite rugby sevens took a significant step forward after delivering a widely acclaimed HSBC SVNS Division 2 leg at the refurbished Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
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In September 2025, the country threw its hat in the ring to stage a leg of the HSBC SVNS Division 2 circuit, proposing Nyayo as the venue for what would be a historic first.
Four months later, that bid turned into reality, and ultimately into one of the most successful tournaments staged by the Kenya Rugby Union in recent years.
More than 20,000 fans streamed into Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, 14 and Sunday, 15 February, creating an electric atmosphere as they cheered on their national sides.
On the pitch, Shujaa secured a podium finish, placing third after a 21–5 loss to the USA in their final pool match, while the Kenya Lionesses settled for fifth.
However, the event’s impact stretched far beyond results. From the packed stands to the vibrant tournament village and buzzing afterparty scene, the Nairobi stopover showcased Kenya’s capacity to host a global sporting spectacle, a point not lost on continental leadership.
Speaking after the successful tournament, Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah lauded the organisation and overall delivery of the event, describing it as a major statement to the global rugby community.
“The tournament was excellent. The organisers put on a strong show, which was very important. I must thank my colleagues on the World Rugby executive board, the process started there as we worked to convince them,” he said.
Beyond the action on the pitch, Mensah expressed pleasure in the thousands of fans who turned up to cheer and the hospitality from the Kenyans.
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“Many of you spoke to me last year when I said we would try to bring this tournament here. It wasn’t straightforward, but we achieved it.
It was encouraging to see the crowds, the atmosphere, the standards, the quality of play, and the hospitality,” he offered.
Following the successful tournament, Mensah expressed confidence that Africa can deliver world-class events if given the opportunity.
“I can now return and report to the World Rugby board… how successful the tournament was and why investing in Africa is important for the future.
Kenya has made a strong case for itself. The message to the global rugby community, and to my colleagues at World Rugby, is that Africa can deliver.
It’s one thing to secure hosting rights and another to deliver, and Kenya has delivered. The stadium sold out, the overall quality was high, and I don’t think anyone around the world can complain,” the Ghanaian said.
The Nairobi leg marked the opening stop of the SVNS Division 2 circuit. The series now shifts to Montevideo, Uruguay (March 21–22) before concluding in São Paulo, Brazil (March 28–29).
Under the revamped competition format, six teams per gender compete across three events, with the top four advancing to the SVNS World Championship stage.
There, they will face the leading eight sides from Division One in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux, with promotion to the top tier for the 2027 season at stake.