The stage is set for an explosive edition of Africa’s premier rugby spectacle as the official pools for the 2026 Safari Sevens tournament have been revealed.
Scheduled to run from October 9th to 11th at the historic Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, this year’s championship promises high-octane action, fierce international rivalries, and top-tier rugby sevens.
For Ugandan rugby faithful, all eyes will be glued to Pool A, where the Uganda 7s have been drawn in what is already being dubbed the “Pool of Death.”
Pool A:
Uganda faces a daunting yet thrilling opening phase in Pool A. Headlining the group are home favorites Kenya Shujaa, setting up another chapter of the legendary Elgon Derby rivalry on the sevens stage.
Joining the regional powerhouses are the invitation outfit Sportpesa Fast Forward 7s and a dangerous Scotland side, making Pool A the most competitive group of the tournament.
The Rugby Cranes 7s will be aiming to upset the hosts in their backyard and claim a top spot to advance to the knockout stages.
Uganda, multi-time Rugby Africa Sevens champions, will view this as the perfect platform to test their tactical discipline against elite international opposition.
The 2026 Safari Sevens Pool Breakdown
Pool A: Kenya Shujaa, Uganda, Sportpesa Fast Forward 7s, Scotland
Pool B: Shogun, French Renegades, South Carolina Nomads, Wellington Jaguars
Pool C: Kenya Morans, Zimbabwe, Gel Squad 7s, Wonder Sevens
In Pool B, global touring side Shogun headline a tough group alongside the French Renegades, South Carolina Nomads, and New Zealand-linked Wellington Jaguars.
Meanwhile, Pool C sees Kenya’s development side, the Kenya Morans (2019 Safari Sevens winners), take on regional rivals Zimbabwe, alongside Gel Squad 7s and Wonder Sevens.
The Safari Sevens, established in 1996, remains one of the most prestigious sevens invitationals on the continent.
Host nation Kenya holds the record for the most titles, having lifted the Robin Cahill trophy 10 times across their primary and secondary setups.
However, with international sides and composite squads stacked with World Series talent descending on Nairobi, the title race remains wide open.
For the Uganda team, a strong performance against Kenya Shujaa and Scotland in Pool A would send a massive shockwave across African rugby.
Action kicks off this Friday at Nyayo Stadium as the Cranes look to fly high and march toward Sunday’s Main Cup final.
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