Kenya has emerged as a global benchmark for hosting world-class rugby competitions after successfully staging the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament at Nyayo National Stadium.
The event drew over 15,000 passionate fans over the weekend, highlighting the country’s ability to deliver major sporting events on the African continent.
Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, praised Kenya for its seamless organization and the vibrant energy witnessed in the stadium.
“Kenya has proven that it can host the world. The organization, the energy in the stadium, the government support, this is a blueprint for Africa. When Africa hosts, Africa delivers,” emphasizing the significance of the event for the continent’s sporting profile.
The Nairobi leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 featured twelve men’s and women’s international teams competing for promotion back to the revamped HSBC SVNS series.
Kenya’s national men’s team, Shujaa, finished third, securing a bronze medal and 16 points in the overall standings, trailing Germany with 20 points and the USA with 18 points.
“Impressively, it’s sold out,” Mensah remarked. “What do you expect? HSBC on African soil with the incredible Kenyans. This is what happens when you combine world-class rugby with passionate supporters.”
The event, he noted, was a testament to Africa’s growing readiness to host global competitions and a celebration of local sporting enthusiasm.
The tournament also served as a qualifier for the elite tri-tournament World Championship series scheduled for May and June.
The leading four men’s and women’s teams after the three HSBC SVNS 2 competitions will advance.
For the women, Argentina, South Africa, Spain, and China lead the rankings, while in the men’s competition, USA, Kenya, and Uruguay trail Germany in the race for the top four.
The successful hosting of the Nairobi leg signals strong organizational capability and strategic government support, two critical elements that Mensah highlighted as key to Africa’s future in global rugby. “Kenya has proven that it can host the world,” he reiterated. “This is a blueprint for Africa.”
The event also showcased Kenya’s ability to attract a large fanbase and deliver an electrifying atmosphere that rivals tournaments in more traditional rugby nations.
Fans filled the stands throughout the weekend, creating a high-energy environment that players and officials alike praised.
Beyond the excitement on the field, the event highlighted the potential for Africa to play a central role in global rugby’s expansion.
Mensah, reflecting on his recent attendance at an executive board meeting of World Rugby in Europe, said, “I can’t wait to share my joy and to reconfirm Africa’s ability to stage major global tournaments. Thank you, World Rugby, for believing in Africa and thank you Africa for delivering when it mattered most.”
The Nairobi leg’s success is expected to influence future decisions on hosting international rugby events on the continent.
The seamless coordination of teams, officials, and fan engagement provides a model for other African nations aspiring to host large-scale sporting tournaments.
With the HSBC SVNS 2 series moving next to Montevideo and São Paulo, Kenya’s accomplishment in hosting the opening leg sets a strong precedent.
The nation has not only proven its logistical and organizational capacity but also reinforced Africa’s reputation as a continent capable of delivering global sporting events.
Kenya’s achievement at the HSBC SVNS 2 serves as an inspiring reminder that African countries can host world-class tournaments, combining top-level competition with passionate fan engagement and efficient administration. As Mensah summarized, “When Africa hosts, Africa delivers.”
