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Kenya praised for staging flawless rugby sevens tournament
Kenya fans throw their weight behind the home team in the match against Uruguay during World Rugby HSBC Division Two Rugby tournament at Nyayo National Stadium on February 15, 2026 .
What you need to know:
- The two-day tournament witnessed one of the largest turnout of fans in World Rugby events.
- Kenya Sevens made it four wins out of five matches to finish third overall in the tournament.
Kenya has earned praises for staging one of the most successful events in the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Speaking after the conclusion of the opening leg of World Rugby Sevens Division II series at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, Rugby Africa president, Herbert Mensah, gave Kenya thumps up for staging one of the most successful events in the World Rugby calendar.
Mensah observed that the two-day tournament was not only sold out, but it also witnessed one of the largest turnout of fans in World Rugby events, a proof that Kenya was ready to host one of the World Division I tournaments.
Edith Naliaka (left) of Kenya Lionesses gets away from Marienela Escalante of Argentina during World Rugby HSBC Division Two Rugby tournament at Nyayo National Stadium on February 15, 2026 .
“I am impressed by what I have seen here. We have two open slots in the World Division I tournaments, and judging from this turnout, Kenya is ready to stage one of the events in the top tier competition,” Mensah observed, adding that the turnout of fans at Nyayo National Stadium was much better than in Australian city of Perth, which hosted the fourth leg of the 2025/2026 World Rugby Division I series.
“It would be lovely for Kenya Shujaa to qualify for the World Division I series. Let Shujaa qualify for the World Division I series, then KRU should leave the rest to me,” he observed.
Finished third overall
KRU secretary general, Ray Olendo, said that although his team had less than two months to prepare, the event has proven a huge success. He said the tournament presented key lessons for his team.
Kenya Sevens made it four wins out of five matches to finish third overall in the tournament. Kenya lost to the United States of America 21-5 in their last match of the six-team tournament, but it’s Germany who led in the standings after two days of action in Nairobi with 13 points.
Kenya's Samuel Asati, (with ball) is tackled by Alvarez Akiki (left) and Juan Manuel of Uruguay during World Rugby HSBC Division Two Rugby tournament at Nyayo National Stadium on February 15, 2026 .
USA’s Eagles and Shujaa finished with 12 points each. Germany, USA and Kenya lost a match each.
Kenya had earlier in the day beaten Uruguay 17-7, with Chrisant Ojwang, George Ooro, Samuel Asati landing a try each as Nygel Amaitsa managed one conversion.
Kenya Lionesses lost to Argentina 5-0 and Spain 14-5 to finish fifth overall in the women’s competition. Argentina (13 points) and South Africa (12) finished in the top two. The series heads to Uruguay from March 21 to 22.
