Nairobi has been officially confirmed as a host city for the 2026 HSBC Sevens (SVNS) Division 2 series, following Kenya’s successful co-hosting of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
World Rugby announced on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, that Nairobi will stage the first Division 2 tournament on February 14–15, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium. The event will be branded as the HSBC Nairobi Sevens.
This announcement comes after Kenya submitted a bid in September to host one of the newly introduced Division 2 legs of the prestigious World Rugby Sevens Series. A World Rugby delegation later conducted a final assessment before granting approval.
Kenya Rugby Union Reacts
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairperson Harriet Okach expressed pride and optimism over the selection:
“This milestone presents a significant opportunity for Kenya Rugby and the nation at large. Hosting this event will strengthen our global presence, expand commercial potential, and inspire the next generation of players,” Okach said.
She added that the KRU is committed to delivering a world-class tournament that celebrates elite rugby, engages fans, and highlights Kenya’s unique cultural vibrancy.
Tournament Structure
The SVNS Division 2 will feature six teams per gender competing across three events:
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Nairobi, Kenya – February 14–15, 2026
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Montevideo, Uruguay – March 21–22, 2026
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São Paulo, Brazil – March 28–29, 2026
The top four teams from these tournaments will earn promotion to the SVNS World Championship, where they will join the top eight Division 1 teams in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux. The top eight finishers at the championship will qualify for Division 1 in the 2027 season.
Both the Kenya men’s and women’s national rugby sevens sides, Shujaa and the Lionesses, will participate in the Nairobi leg of Division 2.
Expanded 2026 HSBC SVNS Calendar
The 2026 season will feature 13 tournaments with a new competitive structure:
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Regular-season events: Dubai (Nov 29–30, 2025), Cape Town (Dec 6–7, 2025), Singapore (Jan 31–Feb 1, 2026), Australia (Feb 7–8, 2026), Vancouver (Mar 7–8, 2026), USA (Mar 14–15, 2026)
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World Championship events: Hong Kong (Apr 17–19, 2026), Valladolid (May 29–31, 2026), Bordeaux (Jun 5–7, 2026)
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Division 2: Nairobi, Montevideo, São Paulo
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Division 3: Challenger tier, Jan 17–19, 2026
The revamped model features three tiers: Division 1 with eight men’s and eight women’s teams, Division 2 with six teams per gender, and Division 3 as a Challenger tier from regional qualifiers.
Participating Teams
Confirmed top-level teams for the 2026 Series:
Women: Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, USA
Men: Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain
Division 2 confirmed teams:
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Men: Kenya, USA, Uruguay, Germany
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Women: Kenya, Brazil, China, Spain
The Lionesses are expected to leverage home advantage against experienced international sides, promising a highly competitive women’s tournament.
Preparations Underway
The Kenya Rugby Union has confirmed that preparations for the Nairobi leg are ongoing. Plans include match scheduling, ticketing, fan engagement activities, and logistics to ensure a seamless event.
Officials say the tournament will not only showcase elite rugby but also serve as a sporting festival attracting fans, athletes, and stakeholders from around the world.
