Kenya 7s return to action today in the second leg of the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Valladolid, with Shujaa aiming to strengthen their bid for qualification to the 2026/27 HSBC SVNS top tier.
After finishing seventh in Hong Kong and collecting eight points, Kenya heads into the Valladolid tournament knowing every result will be crucial in the race for a top-eight overall finish across the three-leg series. The combined standings from Hong Kong, Valladolid and Bordeaux will determine the eight teams that secure places in next season’s SVNS 1, while the bottom four will compete in SVNS 2.
Shujaa showed resilience during the opening leg in Hong Kong, where they defeated USA and France while narrowly falling to South Africa in a dramatic quarter-final clash. The performances lifted Kenya to seventh place in the standings heading into the decisive final two tournaments.
Coach Kevin Wambua has retained the core squad that impressed in Hong Kong, signalling confidence in the group ahead of another demanding weekend against elite opposition. George Ooro, popularly known as “Japolo,” will captain the side alongside Samuel Asati.
The squad for Valladolid includes George Ooro(CC), Samuel Asati(CC), Kevin Wekesa, Denis Abukuse, John Okoth, Vincent Onyala, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo, Festus Safari, Chrisant Ojwang, David Nyangige, Brian Tanga and Victor Odhiambo.
Shujaa have once again been drawn into a challenging pool where they will face Australia, South Africa and Great Britain. Kenya opens its campaign against Australia today before taking on South Africa later in the evening, with the final pool fixture against Great Britain scheduled for Saturday.
Shujaa fixtures (EAT):
Australia vs Kenya — May 29, 1:12 PM
South Africa vs Kenya — May 29, 6:08 PM
Kenya vs Great Britain — May 30, 2:01 PM
Meanwhile, Kenya Rugby Union also confirmed that Shujaa will not wear SportPesa-branded jerseys during the Valladolid and Bordeaux legs due to gambling advertising restrictions in Spain and France.
In a statement, KRU announced that Whizmo will serve as the alternate front-of-shirt branding partner for the two tournaments, while maintaining that SportPesa remains the team’s main sponsor.
The current HSBC SVNS World Championship standings after the Hong Kong leg .
