Kenya Rugby Legends will face South Africa Rugby Legends in a thrilling two-legged SportPesa Legends Cup series in 2027, marking the first time the competition will extend beyond East Africa since its launch in 2023.
The opening leg will be played in Nairobi on 8 May 2027, before the Kenyan side travels to Cape Town for the return fixture on 4 July 2027, setting the stage for an exciting contest between former international stars from the two rugby nations.
The series represents a significant step for the SportPesa Legends Cup, which has traditionally brought together Kenya and Uganda.
With South Africa now joining the competition, Kenyan rugby fans will have an opportunity to watch some of the game’s former stars take to the field against players who represented the Springboks at the highest level.
Since its introduction in 2023, the SportPesa Legends Cup has been dominated by Kenya, who have won all four editions contested against Uganda. However, the 2026 series showed just how competitive the fixture has become, with Uganda recording their first-ever victory over Kenya in the competition.
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Uganda edged Kenya 16-15 in the opening match in Mombasa, handing the Kenyan legends a narrow defeat. Kenya responded in the return fixture in Kampala, winning 17-10 to retain the title with a 32-26 aggregate victory.
The closely contested series underlined the growing appeal of veterans’ rugby and provided a strong foundation for the competition’s expansion to Southern Africa.
South Africa Rugby Legends are expected to travel with a full squad featuring some of the most accomplished players of their generation, including Rugby World Cup winners and members of the World Rugby Hall of Fame. The organisers have indicated that the two squads will be announced closer to the matches, leaving fans waiting to discover which familiar faces will feature in the historic encounter.
Kenya Rugby Legends captain Eddie Omondi believes the fixtures will help grow the game beyond its traditional audience and give supporters a chance to reconnect with some of rugby’s most memorable players.
“Veterans rugby has a passionate global following, and this series is a big step in growing that following in East and Southern Africa,” Omondi said.
“Bringing South Africa Rugby Legends to Nairobi, and then taking our side to Cape Town, gives fans the chance to see legends of the game up close and be part of something bigger.”
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The two matches will also offer an opportunity to celebrate the careers of former internationals whose contributions helped shape rugby in their respective countries. Beyond the results, the series is expected to bring together supporters across generations while strengthening the relationship between Kenyan and South African rugby.
Further details regarding the Nairobi venue, ticket prices and match-day activities will be announced in the coming months. The organisers have confirmed that the opening match will be staged in Nairobi, although the specific venue is yet to be revealed.
The SportPesa Legends Cup is built around celebrating rugby heritage, connecting generations and using sport to support community development and social impact.
With Kenya having maintained its dominance over Uganda across the competition’s first four editions, the challenge against South Africa presents a fresh test for the Kenyan legends.
The two-leg format will give both sides an opportunity to compete at home and away, adding another dimension to a tournament that continues to grow beyond its original boundaries.
For Kenyan rugby supporters, the Nairobi fixture on 8 May 2027 will be the first chance to witness the expanded competition, before the teams meet again in Cape Town on 4 July 2027.