Rugby Africa boss Mensah lauds Nairobi 7s as world class
Kenya Shujaa fans cheer their team against Canada 7s during their 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 match at Nyayo Stadium on February 14, 2026. Photo/Sportpicha
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The Nairobi leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 was hailed as a world-class spectacle, earning glowing praise from Herbert Mensah, the President of Rugby Africa and a member of the World Rugby Executive Board.
Mensah described the two-day tournament as more than just a competition, calling it a bold statement of Africa’s readiness to host top-tier global rugby events.
The Nairobi leg featured 12 men’s and 12 women’s international teams, all competing for a pathway back into the elite global circuit under World Rugby’s restructured competition format.
Staged at Nyayo Stadium last weekend, the tournament drew over 15,000 fans across the weekend, making it one of the most attended events on the new SVNS circuit.
The stands were packed, the atmosphere electric, and the organisation seamless — a combination that showcased Kenya’s event-hosting credentials to the world.
Sports Cabinet Salim Mvurya said hosting the event successfully has positioned Kenya as a strong candidate to host more global championships in future.
“Impressively, it’s sold out,” said Mensah. “What do you expect? HSBC on African soil with the incredible Kenyans. This is what happens when you combine world-class rugby with passionate supporters.”
He added, “Kenya has proven that it can host the world. The organisation, the energy in the stadium, the government support this is a blueprint for Africa. When Africa hosts, Africa delivers.”
Beyond the results, the tournament symbolised a wider shift in global rugby dynamics. With SVNS competitions now hosted across multiple continents, Africa’s inclusion as a key destination reflects the sport’s expanding commercial and cultural footprint.
“Africa is not the future of rugby, Africa is the now,” Mensah emphasised.
“When 15,000 people come to celebrate the sport, when leaders of the government stand behind it, when young boys and girls see themselves on that stage, you are building something far greater than a tournament. You are building belief.”
Kenya’s successful staging aligns with Rugby Africa’s broader ambition to position the continent as a consistent host of premier international competitions. From broadcast reach and commercials.
The HSBC SVNS 2 series now moves to Montevideo and São Paulo in March.
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