- Safari 7s 28th edition takes place from October 9–11, 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium, featuring a 12-team men’s lineup led by 14-time champions Kenya Shujaa.
- Running alongside the men’s fixtures, the six-team women’s competition headlined by the defending champions Kenya Lionesses.
- Shujaa will be hunting a fifth consecutive men’s title while the Kenya Lionesses are out to defend the trophy they reclaimed in 2025.
Kenya Rugby Union has unveiled a stacked 12-team men’s line-up for the 2026 Safari 7s, scheduled to take place from October 9-11 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The 28th edition of Africa’s premier sevens showpiece features a blend of national sides, European outfits, North American representation and high-performance South African academies.
Leading the charge for the host nation are 14-time overall champions Kenya Shujaa, who enter the tournament seeking a fifth consecutive title following their triumph in 2025.
They are joined by Kenya Morans, the official national developmental side and 2019 Safari 7S champions, alongside regional rivals Uganda 7s and Zimbabwe 7s.
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The international contingent presents a stern test for the African sides, headlined by European powerhouses Scotland 7s who bring World Rugby pedigree to the tournament.
Long-time tournament heavyweights Shogun from the UK, formerly known as Samurai RFC return as two-time champions and three-time runners up aiming to reclaim the crown.
French club rugby is represented by two outfits, Wonder 7s and French Renegades, while Southern California Nomads bring North American flair to the weekend.
Rounding out the confirmed 12-team lineup is a trio of high-tempo South African sides: Wellington Jaguars, GEL Squad 7s, and SportPesa Fast Forwards.
Should any of the main teams withdraw prior to kickoff, the organizers have placed Wailers, Zambia 7s, and local club champions KCB Rugby on standby.
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Meanwhile a six-team lineup for the women’s category which will run concurrently alongside the men’s competition at Nyayo National Stadium has been confirmed.
Defending champions Kenya Lionesses headline the women’s field, alongside Kenya Cubs, Shibli, Costa Blanca Barbarians, Uganda 7s, and Tunisia 7s.
The Lionesses will be eager to retain the title they reclaimed in 2025, facing tough competition from 2024 champions Costa Blanca Barbarians as well as regional rivals Uganda and North African side Tunisia.
Safari 7s 2026 confirmed participants
- Men’s Teams: Kenya Shujaa, Kenya Morans, Wellington Jaguars, Shogun, Uganda 7s, Zimbabwe 7s, Scotland 7s, Wonder 7s, Southern California Nomads, French Renegades, GEL Squad 7s, SportPesa Fast Forwards
- Women’s Teams: Kenya Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Shibli, Costa Blanca Barbarians, Uganda 7s, Tunisia 7s