Kenya’s men’s rugby seven-a-side team, Shujaa, secured qualification for the HSBC SVNS World Championship after an impressive showing at the final leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 series in São Paulo, Brazil, where they finished second overall on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Under the tutelage of head coach Kevin Wambua, Shujaa capped off a strong campaign with dominant performances in the six-nation tournament. They defeated the United States 31-14 and Uruguay 26-14 in their final matches, sealing their place among the top four teams advancing to the next stage.

Sunday's success followed an equally commanding display on Saturday, where Shujaa brushed aside Germany 38-7 and thrashed Canada 40-0. Their only blemish in the São Paulo leg came in a narrow 14-12 loss to Belgium.

Shujaa’s consistency across the three-leg series saw them accumulate 50 points, finishing just two points behind overall winners USA, who topped the standings with 52 points. Germany claimed third place with 48 points, while Uruguay (44) and Belgium (42) completed the top five. Canada finished last with 34 points.

The top four teams (USA, Kenya, Germany, and Uruguay) progressed to the World Championship, moving one step closer to the prestigious HSBC Sevens World Series. Kenya’s qualification marks a significant milestone as Shujaa continues its push to return to the elite global circuit after a two-season absence.

In their tournament-ending victory over Uruguay, co-captains George Ooro and Samuel Asati led from the front, each scoring a try. They were joined on the scoresheet by Festus Shiasi and Chrisant Ojwang, underlining the team’s attacking depth.

Meanwhile, Kenya Lionesses fell short in their quest to reach the women’s SVNS World Championship. Coached by Simon Odongo, the Lionesses needed victory over Brazil in their final match in São Paulo to break into the top four, but were unable to deliver.

Their campaign had started on a difficult note with a 19-12 loss to Argentina. However, they bounced back with notable wins over South Africa (14-5), Spain (24-17), and China (40-0). Despite the resurgence, defeat to Brazil ultimately locked the Lionesses out of  qualification.

Argentina topped the women’s standings with 54 points, followed by Spain (50), South Africa (48), Brazil (42), Kenya (40), and China (38).

While Shujaa marches on with renewed hope of reclaiming a place among rugby sevens’ elite, the Lionesses are left to go back to the drawing board.