HSBC SVNS 2 : Shujaa Soars as Kenya Secures World Rugby Sevens Championship Spot

The Kenyan rugby scene is buzzing with excitement following a stellar performance by the national men’s rugby 7s team, Shujaa at the HSBC SVNS 2 in Sao Paulo. In a high-stakes display of skill and resilience at the HSBC SVNS 2 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Kenya officially secured their place in the prestigious World Rugby Sevens Championship series. With matches to spare and a podium finish in the bag, the Kevin Wambua-led side has proved they belong among the global elite.

A Dominant Display in Sao Paulo

The journey to qualification culminated at the Estadio Nicolau Alayon, where Shujaa showcased a blend of tactical brilliance and raw power. The third and final leg of the Sevens Division II was the ultimate testing ground. Kenya kicked off their campaign with a statement victory, thrashing Germany 38-7.

While the team faced a minor speed bump with a narrow 14-12 loss to Belgium—their first-ever defeat to the side in this series—they refused to let the momentum slide. The focus remained sharp as they prepared for their recurring rivals.

Revenge and Resilience at HSBC SVNS 2

One of the most talked-about moments of the HSBC SVNS 2 was Shujaa’s clinical revenge against the USA. After previous encounters, the Kenyan side stepped onto the pitch with a point to prove, dismantling the Americans with a convincing 31-14 victory.

The consistency continued as Shujaa faced Uruguay. Having already established a rhythm against them in previous legs in Nairobi and Montevideo, Kenya once again proved too strong for the South Americans. In their final match of the tournament, Shujaa secured a 26-14 win over Uruguay, ensuring they finished the series in a respectable third position overall.

The Road to the World Championship

By finishing among the top four in Division II, Kenya joins an elite group including the USA and Germany. While those three teams were assured of their spots early on, the final qualification place was a heated battle between Uruguay, Belgium, and Canada.

The stakes for the upcoming season are incredibly high. Shujaa will now move on to face eight powerhouse teams from Division I. This transition into the World Sevens Championship will take the team across three iconic global locations:

Hong Kong: April 17-19
Valladolid, Spain: May 29-31
Bordeaux, France: June 5-7

The ultimate goal is clear: the top eight teams at the end of these events will earn the right to play in the 2026/2027 World Rugby Division I, while the bottom four will face relegation.

Mixed Fortunes for Kenya Rugby

While the men celebrated their advancement at HSBC SVNS 2, the Kenya Lionesses faced a tougher road. The women’s national team is unfortunately out of contention for the Women’s World Championship after a heartbreaking 19-12 loss to Argentina in their opening Sao Paulo match. Despite the setback, the growth of the game in Kenya remains evident as the men prepare to carry the national flag onto the world stage.

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