- Kenya has earned widespread praise after successfully hosting the 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi leg over the weekend of February 14–15 at Nyayo National Stadium.
- Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah was full of admiration for the country, noting that while their primary ambition is to return to HSBC SVNS 1.
- He further emphasized that Kenya has unequivocally demonstrated its capability to host top-tier World Rugby series tournaments.
Kenya put themselves on the global map and earned widespread praise after delivering a standout first leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi over the weekend of February 14–15 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah was full of admiration for Kenya, noting that while their goal is to return to the HSBC SVNS 1 – a spot he is optimistic they will reclaim, the country has also proven it’s more than capable of hosting top-tier rugby tourney.
Speaking on Sunday after the conclusion of the two-day competition where Argentina’s women and Germany’s men walked away champions after topping the round-robin format, Mensah said Kenya had sent a strong message to World Rugby with their flawless execution.
I think the message is for the whole world, the message is for my colleagues in World Rugby to understand that Africa can deliver. This is the first of all stops. We have the Challenger in Uganda next year and the efforts from the executive board are bearing fruit Kenya has delivered. The stadium was sold out and I don’t think anyone has anything to complain about.”
Rugby Africa President Mensah praises Nairobi after successful HSBC SVNS 2 showcase
Mensah also challenged Kenya to push for promotion, insisting they belong in the HSBC SVNS 1. He is much confident both the men’s and women’s teams will shine in the remaining two legs in South America.
Kenya belongs in SVNS 1. When I became president, Kenya had just been relegated and within a year, they were back in the top flight. No one expected we would restructure so quickly, and I expect Kenya to rise again.
They have got extraordinary talent. Young players may be disappointed with the last match, but I choose to focus on the positives. SVNS 2 is now heading to South America, and I expect Kenya to win there by the end of it, they will be back in the top tier where they belong,” he stated.
He added that his mission now is to ensure Africa gets the recognition it deserves on the global stage, praising Kenya for pulling in bigger crowds than even some Australian stops, proof that the country is ready to host HSBC SVNS 1.
My job now is to push World Rugby to recognize who Africa is- who Kenya is. Kenya has shown they can host a tournament of this level without a hitch. We have seen big crowds in Australia, and I want to remind my Chairman of the Board that Kenya can deliver even better than that. That’s important.”
I think Kenya will get into SVNS 1. With all due respect to the bidding process, as CEO, my job is to move beyond being polite when necessary I need to be Africa. I need to bring it home. And this time, we have delivered,” he added.
Shujaa fell to the USA Eagles in their final match of the Nairobi leg, despite having won four of their matches over the weekend.
The loss saw them finish third, collecting 16 points. Meanwhile, the Kenya Lionesses had a tougher run, losing four of their matches and securing just one win against Brazil.
Both sides will be eager to improve in the final two stops in South America; first in Montevideo (March 21–22), followed by the concluding leg in Sao Paulo (March 28–29).
Finishing among the top four would see them move up to join the top eight in the World Championship Series, with a separate three-leg event awaiting.
The top eight of the twelve teams will also lock in their spot in the SVNS Division 1 for 2027.