Kenya’s men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams experienced contrasting fortunes at the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament in São Paulo, with Shujaa sealing a return to the World Championship Series while the Kenya Lionesses saw their campaign end in disappointment.
Shujaa delivered one of their most complete performances in recent years, finishing second in São Paulo and securing qualification for the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series.
They opened their campaign with a dominant 38–7 win over Germany, setting the tone for a tournament defined by attacking efficiency and defensive discipline. Their only setback came in a narrow 14–12 loss to Belgium—a result that would ultimately deny them the title.
Despite that slip, Shujaa responded emphatically. A 40–0 demolition of Canada showcased their attacking firepower, while victories over the United States (31–14) and Uruguay (26–14) underlined their consistency.
Across the tournament, Shujaa won four of their five matches, combining physicality, pace, and tactical structure. Their improved game management and defensive organization were particularly evident, allowing them to control matches and capitalize on key moments.
The second-place finish was enough to secure qualification for the World Championship Series, marking a significant milestone in their return to top-tier rugby. After periods of inconsistency in previous seasons, the team now looks revitalized and ready to compete among the elite once again.
One of the defining features of Shujaa’s campaign was their tactical maturity. The team maintained structure under pressure, executed transitions effectively, and showed greater composure in closing out matches.
Their defensive line speed disrupted opponents, while turnovers created scoring opportunities. Additionally, the squad demonstrated depth, with minimal drop-off in performance despite rotations.
Lionesses’ promise undone at the final hurdle
In contrast, the Kenya Lionesses’ campaign was marked by promise but ultimately ended in heartbreak.
They began with a 19–12 loss to Argentina but quickly recovered with a crucial 14–5 victory over South Africa. That win reignited their hopes and showcased their defensive resilience.
The Lionesses continued to build momentum with a hard-fought 24–17 win over Spain, demonstrating composure in tight situations.
Their most dominant performance came in a 46–0 thrashing of China, highlighting their attacking potential and boosting confidence heading into the decisive stages.
At that point, qualification for the World Championship appeared within reach.
The Lionesses fell 24–12, with Brazil capitalizing on key moments and maintaining control under pressure. For Kenya, missed opportunities and defensive lapses proved costly in a match where fine margins made the difference.
The defeat not only ended their qualification hopes but also confirmed their relegation back to the regional Challenger level.
While the outcome is disappointing, the Lionesses showed flashes of quality throughout the tournament. Their ability to bounce back from early setbacks and deliver dominant performances demonstrates a strong foundation.
However, consistency remains a challenge. The team struggled to maintain their level against top opposition, and defensive organization in high-pressure matches will need improvement.
Relegation now presents an opportunity to rebuild, refine tactics, and develop squad depth with the aim of returning stronger.
