Kenya To Host Historic HSBC World Rugby Sevens Division 2 Opener

Kenya is set to host the opening leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Division 2, marking a significant milestone for the country and the wider East African region. This is the first HSBC 7s Rugby tournament being hosted in Africa outside of South Africa.

The tournament, scheduled for 14–15 February 2026 at Nyayo National Stadium, will kick off the second season of the restructured global sevens circuit, bringing top-tier international rugby action to Kenyan soil.

Crown Paints has committed Ksh 2 million towards preparations for the tournament, reinforcing its support for sports development in the country. The sponsorship highlights the company’s growing involvement in rugby and its commitment to nurturing local talent within a sport that continues to produce athletes of international calibre.

Announcing the sponsorship during a media briefing held at the RFUEA Grounds along Ngong Road, Crown Paints Chief Operations Officer Richard Muturi said the company was proud to support a tournament that plays an important role in the development of Kenyan rugby players, many of whom view the Nairobi leg as a stepping stone to the elite HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

“We are proud to be part of this journey. Rugby is the fastest growing sport in the country, and this tournament offers a pathway for local talent to grow, compete at a high level, and eventually progress back to the HSBC World Rugby Division 1 Series,” said Muturi.

He added that Crown Paints’ is deeply honored to partner with Kenya Rugby Union driven by a strong alignment between the values the sport represents and the company’s evolving strategy.

This sponsorship extends beyond just cash support and Crown Paints will also be supporting on the pitch-marking and branding following HSBC World Rugby guidelines and specifications.

“Our market and customer demographics continue to evolve, particularly among the youth, and rugby resonates strongly with this. The sport reflects energy, resilience, and boldness, core values that align with our brand,” he noted.

The HSBC WORLD RUGBY SVNS 2 Nairobi tournament is expected to attract high-quality international competition, further strengthening Nairobi’s position as a key destination on the global sevens circuit.

The men’s competition will feature:

·         Kenya Sevens (Shujaa)

·         USA

·         Germany

·         Uruguay

·         Belgium

·         Canada

The women’s category will include:

·         Kenya Lionesses

·         China

·         Spain

·         South Africa

·         Argentina

With both Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses enjoying home advantage, expectations are high for strong performances against some of the world’s most competitive teams.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) officials have urged Kenyan fans to turn out in large numbers, encouraging early registration and ticket purchases to create a vibrant atmosphere for the home teams.

The Nairobi leg forms a crucial part of the global sevens calendar and offers fans a rare opportunity to watch high-intensity international rugby on home soil. With strong corporate support, international participation, and growing fan interest, the 2026 tournament is set to be a major highlight on Kenya’s sporting calendar.

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