Since the inception of Safari Sevens in 1996, the aim by Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has always been to bid and host one leg of the World Rugby Sevens World Series.

Past bids by KRU have not been successful although Kenya has successfully hosted two junior World Rugby tournaments. The hosting of these tournaments as well as word of mouth by teams that participated in the invitational Safari Sevens convinced World Rugby that Kenya was ready to host a 7s tournament.

The push for a World Rugby 7s tournament in Kenya has also been helped by an overwhelming support of the Kenya team during the circuit when Kenya was a core team. At every venue, the TV cameras often focus on the ‘Kenya Corner’ where fanatical fans always congregate to create a carnival atmosphere.

Dream Realized

On February 14, Kenya’s dream of hosting a World Rugby 7s tournament will become a reality when KRU hosts the opening leg of a Tier 2 7s tournament that does not feature eight of the top tier teams. This follows a decision by WR to restructure the 7s competition last year by creating three tiers.

The tournament in Nairobi features second tier teams who are gunning for promotion to the top tier which is reserved for top eight teams. This competition previously known as the Challenger Series has teams such as Kenya, Canada, USA, Uruguay (men), China, South Africa and Brazil (women) who were part of the World Series when it featured 16 and 12 teams respectively.

There has been a lot of excitement when Kenya got the nod to host this second ties 7’s tournament and as a result, all the 15,000 tickets that were allocated for the tournament have been sold out. Thomas Odundo, KRU Executive Officer clarified that the number met a minimum criteria set by World Rugby. Nyayo Stadium, where the two-day tournament shall be staged, has a seating capacity capped at 15,000. 

Minimum Requirements

Odundo explained that some of the  minimum requirements expected of hosting countries/Unions were: good accommodation in at least a four-star hotel, good playing surface for the tournament and training, access to a swimming pool for recovery after matches and training, and a gym.

Additionally, the tournament venue must have changing rooms for all teams (men and women” as well as team officials, an anti-doping set up and warm-up areas for teams and officials.

Since KRU rented the venue for the purpose of hosting the tournament, Odundo explained there were things the Union had no control of. For example, the stadium is undergoing renovations. “This is an issue which is beyond our control, but it shall not affect the tournament” Odundo assured.

Two Incidents

Last October how KRU handled two incidents – access to sufficient medical emergency and lighting – became a major issue. To mitigate such incidents, Odundo said adequate arrangements have been made and although the matches will not be played at night, they have secured a standby generator in the event of a power failure.

Overall,  KRU explained they have done their best to meet the expectations and anticipate a competitive environment from quality teams. There is an additional pressure for the hosts to perform well in front of their own fans to lay a strong foundation for the next two tournaments in Uruguay and Brazil in March.