Kenya sevens players celebrate after retaining the Safari Sevens crown on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium/ HANDOUT Talanta Stadium will host the HSBC SVNS 2 series on January 23-24, 2027, World Rugby has announced, with Nairobi set to welcome the international rugby sevens circuit for the second consecutive year.
Nairobi will host the opening leg of the three-tournament series before the competition moves to Montevideo, Uruguay, on February 20-21 and São Paulo, Brazil, on February 27-28.
The three cities return as hosts following their involvement in the inaugural HSBC SVNS 2 competition in 2026, underlining World Rugby’s commitment to expanding international sevens into emerging markets.
World Rugby Sevens World Series general manager Sam Pinder said the tournaments would allow teams another opportunity to compete for promotion to the top tier of international sevens.
“We are delighted to confirm the return of Nairobi, Montevideo and São Paulo for HSBC SVNS 2 in 2027. Last season demonstrated the importance of this competition in providing teams with a clear and highly competitive pathway to the HSBC SVNS World Championship, while bringing international sevens to passionate rugby audiences around the world,” said Pinder.
“With qualification for LA28 coming into focus, every stage of the pathway takes on even greater significance. We look forward to working with our host unions and partners to build on the success of last season and deliver three outstanding events for the teams and fans.”
The HSBC SVNS 2 series forms a key part of World Rugby’s three-tier international sevens structure, connecting regional qualification to HSBC SVNS 3, HSBC SVNS 2 and ultimately the HSBC SVNS World Championship.
The competition allows the men’s and women’s teams an opportunity to progress through the global sevens pathway as they pursue places among the world’s leading nations.
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chief executive Thomas Odundo welcomed Nairobi’s selection, saying the union is eager to stage another successful tournament, particularly after the weekend’s Safari Sevens at Nyayo National Stadium.
“We are delighted with the announcement from World Rugby and look forward to having high-octane action with our fans at the stadium and a competitive Shujaa,” said Odundo. Kenya’s return as hosts comes after the successful staging of the 28th edition of Safari Sevens at Nyayo Stadium from October 9-11.
At the 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 tournament in Nairobi, Germany claimed the men’s title, while Argentina won the women’s crown.
The 2027 series will allow Kenya’s men’s and women’s teams another chance to test themselves against international opposition as they pursue progress through the global Sevens pathway.
