'When Africa hosts, Africa delivers': SVNS 2's Nairobi success lays 'blueprint'

The inaugural round of the HSBC SVNS 2 delivered a massive weekend of rugby at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, and its success has been viewed as a statement of Africa’s readiness to host more global rugby events.

The weekend proved a successful one on the pitch, with Germany and Argentina claiming gold in the men’s and women’s competitions, respectively. Hosts Kenya also did well in the men’s competition, finishing with the bronze.

While the SVNS 2 series will roll on to Montevideo next month, the impact of the Nairobi tournament is still being analysed, with the success off the field proving just as noticeable.

Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of the sport across the African continent, delivered heavy praise on the Kenya Rugby Union and local authorities for their execution of the event.

Over 15,000 fans turned out across the weekend, selling out the venue, and among those in attendance were key dignitaries of the Kenyan government.

Speaking with Rugby Afrique, Mensah believes the event’s success signals that Africa is ready to host more events.

“It’s sold out,” said Mensah.

“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.

“Kenya has proven that it can host the world. The organisation, the energy in the stadium, the government support, this is a blueprint for Africa. When Africa hosts, Africa delivers.”

Mensah believes that, with World Rugby’s recent adoption of a tiered system with the SVNS competitions, events like the Nairobi SVNS 2 series can become more common, helping Rugby Africa to showcase African countries as a rugby destination.

With Kenya and South Africa pushing for contention in the SVNS 2 tournament, combined with Zimbabwe’s recent qualification for the 2027 World Cup, Mensah believes they have only scratched the surface of the support the game could have in Africa.

“Africa is not the future of rugby, Africa is the now,” Mensah affirmed.

“When 15,000 people come to celebrate the sport, when leaders of government stand behind it, when young boys and girls see themselves on that stage, you are building something far greater than a tournament.

“You are building belief.”