Kenya rugby fans have a rare opportunity to witness four derbies when the World Rugby Sevens Tier 2 tournament kicks off on February 14, 2026 at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.

Excitement has been building up for the two-day tournament despite its status as a rank just below the top tier in which eight teams compete. Just like in the top tier competition where there is intense rivalry between New Zealand and Australia as well as Spain and France (in the men’s category); New Zealand/Australia and Canada/USA (women), the tournament in Nairobi replicates regional rivalry. 

An additional rivalry will be between South American sides Argentina and Brazil in the women’s category. 

Continental Supremacy

Top of the bill will be the battle for continental supremacy between hosts Kenya and South Africa in the women’s category. The two teams have had a lively rivalry that culminated in South Africa winning the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s competition at the same venue in November, 2025.

According to the draw which has the six teams playing a round-robin format over two days, each team shall play three matches on the opening day and two on the second to ensure adequate recovery by the players. 

Besides the Kenya/South Africa rivalry, there are other interesting match ups featuring teams that have had a stint at the top tier when it had 16 and 12 teams. In the women’s category, former Tier One teams Brazil, South Africa and China will face emerging teams such as Kenya, Argentina and Spain. 

Emerging Countries

The men’s category also has former Tier One countries such as Kenya, USA, Canada and Uruguay pitted against two emerging European countries Belgium, and Germany. Kenya reached five World Rugby Sevens World Series five times and won in 2016. They have also beaten all the top tier countries.

It is here that fans will be treated to a European rivalry involving Germany and Belgium and a North American derby between USA and Canada. 

Participating teams: 

Women: China, Kenya, Spain, Brazil, South Africa, and Argentina.

Men: Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay, Belgium, and Canada.

Order of play

Women

Saturday, February 14, 2025: China v Argentina, Spain v South Africa, Brazil v Kenya, Spain v Argentina, Brazil v South Africa, China v Kenya, Brazil v Argentina, China v Spain, Kenya v South Africa.

Sunday, February 15, 2025: China v South Africa, Brazil v Spain, Kenya v Argentina, South Africa v Argentina, Brazil v China, Spain v Kenya, 

Men

Saturday, February 14, 2025:: USA v Belgium, Uruguay v Germany, Kenya v Canada, Uruguay v USA, Germany v Canada, Kenya v Belgium, USA v Canada, Uruguay v Belgium, Kenya v Germany.Sunday, February 15, 2025: Canada v Belgium, USA v Germany, Kenya v Uruguay, Germany v Belgium, Uruguay v Canada, Kenya v USA.