Nairobi will host the opening leg of the 2027 HSBC SVNS 2 series from January 23 to 24, with Kenya’s Talanta Sports Stadium set to welcome international rugby sevens teams as the global competition builds towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
World Rugby confirmed the three-event schedule on Tuesday, with the Kenyan capital hosting the opening tournament before the series moves to South America for the remaining two legs in February.
The second event will take place in Montevideo, Uruguay, on February 20-21 at Estadio Charrua, before São Paulo, Brazil, hosts the final leg on February 27-28 at Nicolau Alayon Stadium.
Nairobi, Montevideo and São Paulo return as hosts following their involvement in the inaugural HSBC SVNS 2 competition in 2026, underlining World Rugby’s commitment to expanding the reach of international sevens rugby.
The announcement follows the confirmation of the 2026/27 HSBC SVNS Series and World Championship schedules, with the SVNS 2 competition forming a key part of the sport’s international development and qualification pathway.
Under the revamped three-tier structure, men’s and women’s teams progress from regional qualification through HSBC SVNS 3 and SVNS 2, with the ultimate goal of reaching the HSBC SVNS World Championship.
World Rugby Sevens World Series General Manager Sam Pinder said the return of the three host cities would provide teams with another opportunity to compete for progression while bringing international rugby to passionate fans.
“We are delighted to confirm the return of Nairobi, Montevideo and São Paulo for HSBC SVNS 2 in 2027,” Pinder said.
He noted that the previous season had demonstrated the importance of the competition in creating a clear pathway to the HSBC SVNS World Championship.
“With qualification for LA28 coming into focus, every stage of the pathway takes on even greater significance,” Pinder added, expressing confidence in working with host unions and partners to deliver three outstanding events.
For Kenya, hosting the opening leg places Nairobi at the centre of the early-season international sevens calendar, offering local rugby fans an opportunity to experience top-level competition on home soil.
The 2027 campaign will carry added significance for participating teams as the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games gathers momentum, with the three tournaments providing another crucial stage in the pursuit of international progression.
