Kenya Sevens face a must-win encounter against Great Britain after suffering back-to-back defeats on the opening day of the Bordeaux Sevens, the final leg of the HSBC SVNS World Championship in France.

Shujaa arrived in Bordeaux knowing their fate remained in their own hands as they chased a top-eight finish and qualification to the 2026/27 HSBC SVNS 1. However, defeats to Fiji and South Africa have left Kevin Wambua’s charges with plenty of work to do heading into their final Pool A fixture.

Kenya’s campaign began with a 31-12 loss to Fiji in a match that showed flashes of promise but ultimately highlighted the gulf between the sides in the closing stages.

The Fijians struck inside the opening minute through Terio Veilawa, but Shujaa responded positively. Patrick Odongo’s well-executed kick-and-chase and a successful conversion from David Nyangige brought Kenya level at 7-7.

After Fiji regained the lead before halftime, Kevin Wekesa once again pulled Kenya back into the contest early in the second half to make it 12-12. However, Fiji shifted gears thereafter, scoring three unanswered tries to secure a comfortable 31-12 victory.

Things went from bad to worse in Kenya’s second outing against South Africa.

Seeking revenge for last weekend’s 14-0 defeat in Valladolid, Shujaa instead found themselves chasing the game from the opening minutes as the Blitzboks imposed themselves physically and clinically. Shilton van Wyk scored twice in the first half before Quewin Nortje added a brace after the break to guide South Africa to a 26-5 victory.

The result left Kenya without a point after two matches and rooted to the bottom of Pool A.

The standings paint a difficult picture for Shujaa heading into their final group match. Fiji have already secured qualification from the pool after victories over both Kenya and Great Britain, while South Africa boosted their quarter-final hopes with the win over Kenya.

Attention now shifts to Saturday’s decisive clash against Great Britain, a fixture that could have implications far beyond Pool A.

While a quarter-final place appears unlikely, Kenya’s bigger objective remains securing a place in next season’s top-tier HSBC SVNS competition.

The overall championship standings show just how crucial every point has become. Six nations ; South Africa, Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Fiji and Spain have already secured their places as core teams for the 2026/27 HSBC SVNS World Series.

That leaves Kenya, France, Uruguay, Germany, USA and Great Britain battling for the remaining positions. Shujaa began the tournament eighth overall on 14 points, but consecutive defeats have increased the pressure heading into the final day.

Victory against Great Britain would not only provide a much-needed morale boost but could also prove decisive in Kenya’s pursuit of a place among the world’s elite sevens nations next season.