Kenya and South Africa to Play Rugby Series in 2027
The SportPesa Legends Cup will expand beyond East Africa for a two-match series in Nairobi and Cape Town.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Africa
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The Kenya Rugby Legends will face the South Africa Rugby Legends in a new two-match series scheduled for May 8, 2027, and July 4, 2027. This expansion marks the first time the SportPesa Legends Cup will move outside of East Africa.
Why it matters
The expansion aims to broaden the following for veterans rugby across East and Southern Africa by pairing established East African teams with former international stars from South Africa.
The 2026 series saw Kenya secure a 32-26 aggregate win after splitting matches with Uganda. The 2027 series will feature a total of two matches played in Nairobi and Cape Town.
The players
Kenya Rugby Legends
This is a team of former Kenyan rugby players that has won all four previous editions of the SportPesa Legends Cup.
South Africa Rugby Legends
This team consists of former international rugby stars who will compete against Kenya in the 2027 series.
The details
The event builds upon the history of the SportPesa Legends Cup, which began in 2023. Organizers plan to release further details on match venues and ticket sales in the coming months, while squad announcements are expected closer to the competition dates.
Timeline
The SportPesa Legends Cup was established in 2023.
In 2026, Kenya defeated Uganda 17-10 in Kampala while falling 16-15 in Mombasa.
The first match of the 2027 series is scheduled for May 8, 2027, in Nairobi.
The return fixture is set for July 4, 2027, in Cape Town.
Travel Outlook
The expansion of the SportPesa Legends Cup represents a shift toward a broader continental footprint for veteran rugby competitions. This growth moves the event beyond its East African origins to include major Southern African sporting hubs.
Fans should monitor official announcements for venue details and ticket release dates in the coming months to secure entry. Those planning to attend should keep in mind that the series spans two distinct geographic locations in May and July.
The takeaway
Travelers interested in international sports tourism can look forward to this expanded tournament structure in 2027. Following the final schedule updates will be essential for those planning to travel to Nairobi or Cape Town for the matches.
Further reading
Discover more about regional sporting events in Africa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Citizen Digital.
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