Nairobi will once again take center stage in international rugby sevens after World Rugby confirmed that Talanta Stadium will host the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 series on January 23rd- 24th 2027.

The announcement means Kenya will host the international rugby sevens circuit for the second consecutive year, giving local fans another opportunity to watch top level competition on home soil.

After the Nairobi leg, the series will move to Montevideo, Uruguay, on February 20th –21st before concluding in São Paulo, Brazil, on February 27th –28th . The three cities return as hosts after taking part in the inaugural HSBC SVNS 2 series in 2026, reflecting World Rugby’s efforts to grow the sport and reach new audiences around the world.

World Rugby Sevens World Series General Manager Sam Pinder said the competition provides teams with an important opportunity to fight for promotion to the highest level of international sevens rugby.

Pinder welcomed the return of Nairobi, Montevideo and São Paulo, noting that the previous season had demonstrated the value of the series in creating a competitive route to the HSBC SVNS World Championship while bringing international rugby to passionate supporters in different countries.
He added that the upcoming qualification process for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games would make every stage of the international pathway increasingly important. World Rugby, he said, was looking forward to working with host unions and partners to build on the previous season's success and deliver exciting tournaments for players and fans.

The HSBC SVNS 2 series is an important part of World Rugby's three tier international sevens structure. It connects regional qualification competitions and HSBC SVNS 3 with the HSBC SVNS World Championship, giving both men's and women's teams a chance to progress towards the top level of the sport.
For Kenya, hosting the opening tournament presents another opportunity to showcase its rugby talent and strengthen its position on the international stage. The country's men's and women's teams will also have a chance to measure themselves against international opponents as they seek to advance through the global sevens system.

| Photo: FB: Kenya Rugby

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chief Executive Thomas Odundo welcomed the announcement, saying the union was looking forward to delivering another successful tournament in Nairobi.
Odundo's remarks came shortly after the conclusion of the 28th edition of Safari Sevens, which took place at Nyayo National Stadium from October 9th–11th . The annual tournament once again brought together rugby teams and supporters, providing a strong platform for the sport in Kenya.
Kenya's hosting role also follows the 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 competition in Nairobi, where Germany won the men's title while Argentina emerged as champions in the women's category.

The return of the series in 2027 will give teams another opportunity to compete for honors and improve their standing in the international sevens pathway.

Kenya Rugby sevens (SHUJAA) during the #mauritiusSevens clash against South Africa | Photo: FB: photo credit Kenya rugby

With Talanta Stadium set to host the opening leg, Nairobi will be looking to build on the previous edition's success and welcome rugby supporters for two days of fast paced action. For Kenyan fans, the tournament will offer another chance to support the national teams while witnessing international rugby sevens competition at home soil.

As preparations continue towards January 2027, expectations will be high for another competitive event that brings together international talents and reinforces Kenya's place in the global rugby community.