Kenya Rugby Legends are set to face South African counterparts in a two-match series in 2027, marking the SportPesa Legends Cup’s first expansion beyond East Africa since the competition began in 2023.
The Kenyan side will host South Africa Rugby Legends in Nairobi on May 8, 2027, before travelling to Cape Town for the return fixture on July 4, 2027.
The series will introduce a new opponent for the Kenyan veterans, whose rivalry with Uganda has defined the competition since its inception.
The South African team is expected to feature former international players, including Rugby World Cup winners and World Rugby Hall of Famers, although the squads have yet to be announced.
Kenya Rugby Legends captain Eddie Omondi said the fixtures would help expand the following for veterans’ rugby across East and Southern Africa.
“Veterans rugby has a passionate global following and this series is a big step in growing that following in East and Southern Africa,” Omondi said.
“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,” he added.
The planned expansion follows a closely contested 2026 edition in which Uganda secured their first victory over Kenya in the competition, winning 16-15 in Mombasa on June 6.
Kenya recovered in the return fixture in Kampala on July 4, winning 17-10 to retain the trophy with a 32-26 aggregate victory. The result maintained Kenya’s record of retaining the title in each edition of the competition, despite Uganda’s breakthrough win in the opening match.
The SportPesa Legends Cup was launched in 2023 to bring former players from Kenya and Uganda together, allowing them to remain connected to the game while encouraging younger players to take up rugby.
The competition has also provided a platform for former international players to renew rivalries outside the demands of professional competition.
The addition of South Africa would widen that platform and create opportunities for former players from both countries to meet supporters in new settings.
Organisers are expected to release further details on the Nairobi venue, ticket sales and match-day activities in the coming months. The two teams are also expected to confirm their squads closer to the fixtures.
The 2027 series will test the Kenyan legends against unfamiliar opposition while giving the competition a broader regional reach. Its success could help establish the SportPesa Legends Cup as a platform for veterans’ rugby beyond its original Kenya-Uganda rivalry.
