Kenya to Host First World Rugby International Sevens Tournament – HSBC SVNS Division Two

On 14–15 February 2026, Kenya will become only the second African country, after South Africa, to host a World Rugby Sevens international event. Kenya’s national men’s and women’s sevens teams will compete in the HSBC Division Two for the 2026 season.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – World Rugby confirms Nairobi as one of the host cities for the HSBC SVNS Division Two series, taking place on 14–15 February 2026, marking a major milestone in the revamped three-tier global sevens structure designed to bring fans closer to the action than ever before.

 

This announcement comes after a visit from World Rugby’s Director of Competitions, Nigel Cass, during the 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens held at the RFUEA Grounds from November 15–16. During the tournament, discussions were held with Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, Rugby Africa President, Herbert Mensah, and Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson, Harriet Okach, regarding Kenya hosting the World Division II event.

 

“Kenya has everything it takes to be one of the greatest in the world. We see Kenyan players in Australia, Canada, London, and the support they get isn’t just from Kenyans, but from fans all over proudly waving our flag. Kenya Sevens has always been the heart and soul of our rugby, putting this country on the map. For me, Kenya’s greatness comes from rugby, not football, and now it’s about time they host the HSBC Division Two. I am excited and proud that Kenya has been confirmed as host, this is a huge moment for our game, our players, for Africa, and I thank the Government of Kenya for warmly welcoming this tournament and supporting rugby’s growth,” states President of Rugby Africa and Executive Board Member of World Rugby, Herbert Mensah.

 

 

“Kenya Rugby Union is honoured by the trust World Rugby has placed in us with the announcement that Kenya will host the HSBC SVNS Two on 14-15 February 2026. 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. 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,” adds Chairperson of Kenya Rugby Union, Harriet Okach.

 

Designed to bring fans closer to the action than ever before, the refreshed three-tier structure promises more high-stakes clashes, more rising stars, and more world-class sevens rugby across the globe with the opportunity for teams to progress from regional competition to the top-level HSBC SVNS 1 within a year.

 

Unveiled earlier this year, the new three-tier global structure sets a clear, competitive pathway for teams worldwide.

 

With full gender parity at its core, every SVNS event will host both men’s and women’s teams, with equal participation fees for both. With a number of Women’s Rugby World Cup stars now heading to HSBC SVNS to continue showcasing their talent on the world stage, the influence of the sevens pathway has never been clearer. A total of 48 athletes who honed their craft on the Sevens circuit went on to feature at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, highlighting just how powerful the format has become in producing elite players capable of excelling across both formats.

 

For the first time, a three-destination SVNS World Championship will feature the top 24 teams, 12 women’s and 12 men’s competing for the honour of being crowned the 2026 SVNS Women’s and Men’s World Champions.

 

The Championship journey will kick off in Hong Kong at the iconic Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, before heading to Europe for an exciting new double-header finale. Valladolid (Spain) and Bordeaux (France) will make their debut on the SVNS calendar, hosting back-to-back events that will bring the World Championship to a dramatic close

 

Last week, the host city for the USA leg of the SVNS Series was announced with the addition of New York, completing the full schedule for the 2026 Series. Across these six iconic global destinations – Dubai, Cape Town, Singapore, Perth, Vancouver and New York – the world’s best sevens teams will go head-to-head in high-intensity, two-day tournaments that showcase the sport at its fastest and most dynamic. Fans can look forward to fast-paced action, fierce competition, and an unforgettable live experience at every stop on the SVNS Series.

 

The participating teams in 2026 HSBC SVNS Series are:

Women: Australia, Canada, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, USA

Men: Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain

 

HSBC SVNS 2

World Rugby is also pleased to confirm the event destinations for HSBC SVNS 2, which will take place in Nairobi, Montevideo, and São Paulo. Four women’s and four men’s teams have already secured their place in SVNS 2, with the remaining two qualification spots in each competition to be determined through advancement from SVNS 3.

Nairobi: 14-15 Feb 2026
Montevideo: 21-22 Mar 2026
Sao Paulo: 28-29 Mar 2026

Women: China, Kenya, Spain, Brazil and top two from SVNS 3
Men: Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay and top two from SVNS 3

 

HSBC SVNS 3

SVNS 3 has been confirmed to take place in Dubai on 17–18 January 2026, where everything will be on the line for teams battling to secure a place in SVNS 2. Fans can expect a fascinating and fiercely competitive tournament as the winners of regional competitions go head-to-head.

 

The SVNS 3 qualified teams are:

Women: Argentina, Colombia, Czechia, Mexico, Poland, Samoa, South Africa, Thailand

Men: Belgium, Canada, Colombia, China, Italy, Madagascar, Samoa, Tonga

With confirmed fixtures, clarity of pathway, and the energy of our new content campaign ‘Rugby Let Loose’, HSBC SVNS 2026 marks a new era.

 

• The world’s best teams competing across three levels
• Major destination events in key global markets
• Opportunity for emerging nations to climb rapidly through the system
• Momentum building toward the Los Angeles Olympic Games 2028
• HSBC SVNS 2026 is not just a competition, it is the launchpad for a new era of global rugby sevens, where the energy is unstoppable.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin commented at the launch event: “We’re entering an exciting new era for sevens as we kick off the journey to LA 2028. With all fixtures locked in across all three levels of HSBC SVNS, it’s really all to play for. Fans will experience top-tier action in iconic new cities like New York, Valladolid, and Bordeaux, while the world’s best teams bring the sport to new heights. Sevens is ready to thrill fans like never before.”

 

HSBC SVNS lands in Dubai

HSBC SVNS 2026 was launched at an event today in Dubai with World Rugby’s Chair, Brett Robinson, Chief Executive, Alan Gilpin and the team captains ahead of the opening weekend of the series which is taking place at The Sevens Stadium on 29-30 November. As well as seeing the world’s best teams take to the field, fans are set to enjoy a huge line of music acts including Tinie Tempah, Sean Paul, Shaggy and DJ EZ bringing non-stop party vibes to the Middle East’s biggest sports and entertainment festival.

 

Tickets are on sale now at emiratesdubai7s.com.