Kenya could soon join the ranks of global rugby hosts as Rugby Africa revealed plans to explore the possibility of bringing an HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event to Nairobi.
The announcement was made by Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah during a media briefing ahead of the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s, set for November 15–16, 2025, at the RFUEA Grounds.
“This Saturday and Sunday one of my colleagues, as I also serve on the World Rugby Board, will be meeting with the Honorable Cabinet Secretary to explore the possibility of Kenya hosting a HSBC event right here,” said Mensah.
The move would mark a historic milestone for Kenya, which has long been recognized as one of Africa’s strongest rugby nations, thanks to its successful men’s and women’s sevens programs. The Kenya Sevens (“Shujaa”) team has been a consistent contender in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, while the women’s team, the Lionesses, continue to dominate regional competitions.
Mensah said the talks, to be held with Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, aim to position Kenya as a global destination for world-class rugby events. He expressed confidence in the country’s ability to deliver a tournament that meets international standards.
“We have full confidence in the government and the leadership of Kenya Rugby Union. These are the people we trust and work with, and together we’re committed to supporting the growth of Kenya Rugby,” said Mensah. “As I return to the World Rugby Executive Board, after my colleagues visit and discussions with the Honorable (CS Mvurya), we hope to finalize agreements that will truly put this great nation on the global map.”
Mensah added that Kenya’s passion for rugby, combined with its proven organizational capacity and growing sports infrastructure, makes it an ideal host for a HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series stop.
“Kenya has the passion, the talent, and the global support to become one of the greatest rugby nations in the world through rugby and not from football,” he said.
He further emphasized that rugby has immense economic and social potential for the continent if governments, sponsors, and sports administrators collaborate.
“Sports is really big business, that has been my mantra since I became president,” Mensah noted. “With the Honorable Cabinet Secretary here today, we affirm that true growth comes when legislators, regulators, game managers, sponsors, and government all work together, because Kenya’s talent deserves investment and the chance to host Africa’s biggest tournaments.”
Mensah, a former president of Ghana’s Asante Kotoko Football Club, said he believes rugby offers Africa an opportunity to showcase its strength and unity on a global platform.
“I once served as President of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, one of Africa’s biggest football clubs yet I still believe the greatest sport on earth is rugby,” he said. “So, Honorable, I humbly request that we address the legacy games and offer full support to the country; and I give you my word if we can make that happen, I will ensure the HSBC event comes right here to Kenya.”
Meanwhile, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairperson Harriet Okatch called on Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to support the national women’s team, the Lionesses, as they prepare to defend their Rugby Africa Cup title.
“I’d like to welcome all who are able to come to the RFUEA Grounds on the 15th and 16th of November to join us in cheering on the Lionesses as they fight to keep the Rugby Africa Cup at home!” she said.
The weekend tournament will serve as a crucial platform not just for regional glory, but also for showcasing Kenya’s readiness to host world-class rugby events. If the proposal is approved, Nairobi could soon join major global cities like Cape Town, Dubai, and Hong Kong as part of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series circuit — a monumental step for African rugby.
Tickets for the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s are available at TikoHub.
Read: How to Get Tickets for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s Tournament in Nairobi
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