Kenya Rugby Legends set for historic South Africa showdown in 2027

Kenya Rugby Legends will make history in 2027 when they face South Africa Rugby Legends in a two-match SportPesa Legends Cup series that will expand the competition beyond East Africa for the first time.

The series will kick off in Nairobi on May 8, 2027, before the Kenyan side travels to Cape Town for the return fixture on July 4.

The South African team is expected to feature former international stars, including Rugby World Cup winners and World Rugby Hall of Famers, setting the stage for an exciting contest between legends of the game.

Kenya Rugby Legends captain Eddie Omondi welcomed the development, describing the series as an important milestone in growing veterans’ rugby across the region.

“Veterans rugby has a passionate global following, and this series is a big step in growing that following in East and Southern Africa,” he told citizen digital.

“Bringing South Africa Rugby Legends to Nairobi, and then taking our side to Cape Town, gives fans the chance to see legends of the game up close and be part of something bigger.”

Since its inception in 2023, the SportPesa Legends Cup has featured Kenya and Uganda, with Kenya winning all four editions contested before the planned expansion to South Africa.

The 2026 series offered the fiercest contest yet, as Uganda registered their first-ever victory over Kenya with a narrow 16-15 win in Mombasa.

Kenya, however, bounced back in Kampala, securing a 17-10 victory to retain the title 32-26 on aggregate.

The inclusion of South Africa Rugby Legends signals a new era for the competition, bringing together former players from two countries with rich rugby traditions.

Both teams are expected to announce their squads closer to the fixtures, with organizers set to release further details on the Nairobi venue, ticket sales and match-day activities in the coming months.

The series is expected to provide fans with an opportunity to reconnect with celebrated players while promoting rugby heritage and strengthening ties between the Kenyan and South African rugby communities.