The countdown to the 28th edition of the Safari7s is well and truly on, with just 20 days to go before the three-day rugby festival kicks off at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi from 9–11 October 2026.
This year’s tournament will feature 12 teams in the men’s category and six teams in the women’s category,bringing together top national, invitational and franchise sides from across Africa and beyond for what promises to be three days of exciting Sevens rugby.
Defending champions and hosts Kenya Shujaa will lead the men’s field as they return to Nyayo looking to retain the Safari7s title on home soil. They will be joined by their compatriots, Kenya Morans.
Uganda will once again make the trip to Nairobi, with the familiar “noisy neighbours”set to bring their trademark rivalry.From further south, Zimbabwe 7s will return for another appearance, having featured at last year’s edition.
South Africa will have a strong presence with Wellington Jaguars,Gel Squad7s and the SportPesa Fast Forwards,who also come as friends of Shujaa.
The international field will also feature two French sides, with French Renegades who were part of last year’s tournament, returning alongside Wonder7s.
Making the long journey from the United States will be the Southern California Nomads while from the United Kingdom, frequent Safari7s visitors Shogun will return to Nairobi. The side, formerly known as Samurai will once again bring their experience to the competition.Completing the men’s line-up will be Scotland 7s adding another international national team to the men’s contingent.
Three additional teams will be on standby for the men’s competition: Wailers, Zambia 7s and KCB Rugby ,the 2026 SportPesa National 7s Circuit champions.
The women’s competition will see defending champions and hosts Kenya Lionesses lead the charge as they look to retain the Safari7s crown.They will be joined by Kenya Cubs,while Shibli the junior side of the national team, will provide another opportunity for emerging Kenyan talent to compete on the big stage.Uganda women’s 7s will also be represented and will be joined by Tunisia 7s.
Completing the six-team women’s field will be the Costa Blanca Barbarians, who return to Nairobi as the 2024 Safari7s champions.
From the familiar East African rivalry to returning champions, international visitors and new faces, fans can expect three days plenty of entertainment both on and off the pitch.Tickets are still available on Tikohub.com .
