HSBC Sevens 2 boosted by major sponsors ahead of tournament in Nairobi

The HSBC Sevens 2 tournament has received a major boost after the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) confirmed key partnerships ahead of the event set for February 14-15 at Nyayo Stadium.

Sponsors include M-Pesa, Crown Paints and Tusker, who have strengthened preparations for the regional showpiece.

Speaking during the announcement, KRU Chief Executive Officer Thomas Odundo described the tournament as a major milestone for Kenyan rugby.

“It is a milestone for us, I think this is the biggest event we have ever hosted in this country,” said Odundo.

“When we put our bid, we were 50-50. World Rugby asked us how we propose to meet the budget, but what we gave them were actually stories like we’ll get guys into the stadium, speak to the Kenyan government which had said they’ll support us, and rely on the government to get partners to come on board.”

KRU Chairperson Harriet Okatch said hosting the Division 2 event will help grow Kenya’s profile as a sporting destination and strengthen the future of the game.

“In terms of hosting, it puts us on that platform where globally they can recognize Kenya as a good sporting venue, where people can come and compete as well as watch. It also gives our players that leverage to be able to start the Division 2 legs in Kenya on home ground with home fans. This will encourage and motivate them to be able to perform highly,” said Okatch.

Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira welcomed the partnerships, saying they have boosted exposure for both national teams.

“This partnership goes a long way for Shujaa and Lionesses. It helps us in getting exposure, like when Shujaa went to South Africa for their camp and also the Lionesses who’ll be going to Spain next week. This exposure helps us to match teams with high performance.”

Safaricom PLC, through its mobile money service M-Pesa, has confirmed its sponsorship of the upcoming rugby tournament, underlining the company’s commitment to supporting Kenyan rugby.

The partnership includes both financial and in-kind support to help ensure the successful delivery of the event, with a contribution of Ksh. 10 million.

EABL, through Tusker, also reaffirmed its long-standing collaboration with Kenya Rugby Union, continuing its support for the growth and development of the sport in the country.

The men’s team include Kenya, USA, Uruguay, Germany, Belgium, and Canada, who qualified through the SVNS3 pathway.

The women’s team is composed of Kenya, Brazil, Spain, China, South Africa, and Argentina, who also qualifiers from SVNS3.