Kenya is celebrating a major milestone in international rugby after both the men’s (Shujaa) and women’s (Lionesses) national sevens teams secured coveted places in the 2026 HSBC SVNS Division 2.
The double qualification came after impressive performances at the high-stakes promotion and relegation playoffs held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles from May 3–4, 2025.
The tournament, which marked a critical juncture in World Rugby’s revamped SVNS structure, determined future placement within the newly tiered global sevens circuit. For Kenya, the outcomes represent not only redemption but a significant step forward in its ambitions to re-establish itself as a global sevens powerhouse.
The Kenya Lionesses entered the playoffs brimming with confidence after dominating the 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. Despite a rocky start in Los Angeles, suffering pool-stage defeats to Spain (33–14) and Brazil (28–10), the Lionesses showcased resilience and grit.
A narrow 7–5 win over Colombia kept their hopes alive and propelled them into the promotion final against continental rivals South Africa. In a dramatic encounter, the Lionesses trailed 14–10 late in the game. But in the dying moments, Freshia Oduor produced a stunning solo effort to score a last-minute try. The successful conversion sealed a 17–14 comeback victory, confirming the Lionesses’ spot in the 2026 Division 2.
Shujaa Redeem Themselves in Style
The men’s team, Shujaa, also had to battle through a tough route to secure promotion. Placed in Pool A alongside Samoa, Portugal, and hosts USA, they finished second with one win and two losses, enough to earn a place in the decisive promotion playoff.
There, they met a familiar foe: Canada—the very team that relegated Shujaa from the top tier in 2024. Motivated by a chance for redemption, the Kenyan side delivered a commanding 24–5 victory, dominating the match and sealing their return to the global stage in Division 2.
The Los Angeles playoffs were part of World Rugby’s transition into the updated HSBC SVNS model, set to launch fully in 2026. The new structure introduces three competitive tiers: Division 1 (featuring the top eight teams), Division 2 (six teams per gender), and Division 3 (comprising Challenger Series events).
By finishing among the top four in the LA playoffs, both Shujaa and the Lionesses earned their positions in the 2025/26 SVNS Division 2 season—laying the foundation for continued progress under the new format.
The success of Kenya’s sevens teams is a testament to the determination of the players and the impact of robust support systems. Initiatives like the Tujiamini program, supported by SportPesa Kenya and DBA Africa have played a pivotal role in grassroots development and the strengthening of national teams.
