Shujaa, Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, concluded their campaign in the Toulouse sevens tournament with a joint 13th place alongside Japan.
Despite a resounding 19-0 victory against the USA, they managed to accumulate only one point throughout the competition, highlighting their struggles.
During the preliminary matches, Shujaa suffered defeats against Uruguay (19-5), New Zealand (31-5), and Canada (33-7). In the classification matches for positions 9-10, they fell short with a narrow 17-10 loss to Samoa. The team’s inability to secure a place in the main cup quarterfinals has been a recurring pattern this season.
Looking ahead, Shujaa faces a crucial relegation playoff showdown in London next weekend. In order to maintain their core status for the following season, they must overcome tough opponents such as Tonga, Canada, Spain, or Uruguay.
In their match against the USA, Daniel Taabu initiated the scoring with an impressive try, securing a 5-0 lead at halftime.
Shujaa extended their advantage in the second half when captain Nelson Oyoo powered over the try line, with Dennis Abukuse successfully converting for a 12-0 lead. Edmund Anya sealed the victory by outpacing the American defense to score, as Johnstone Olindi added the extra points, securing a final score of 19-0.
As the 15th-ranked core team based on accumulated series points after the Toulouse tournament, Shujaa finds themselves in a precarious position, facing the threat of relegation.
The teams ranked 12th, 13th, and 14th at the conclusion of Toulouse will enter a four-team relegation play-off, joined by Tonga, winners of the Challenger Series 2023, in the 11th and final round of the series in London.
The relegation play-off will follow a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the final. The victorious team will secure the coveted 12th core team spot for the 2024 series.
