Kenya 7's year in review: Shujaa back in the global stage
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 30.12.24. | 08:25
From the much anticipated HSBC series, to playing at the Paris Olympics, dive in for an in-depth analysis of the national 7's team
Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa has enjoyed an incredible year, filled with milestones that have reignited hope and pride in Kenyan rugby.
The team marked their return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, re-establishing themselves on the global stage.
They also showcased their talent at the Olympic Games, proving their mettle among the world’s best. With the appointment of new captains, Shujaa embraced fresh leadership to navigate a transformative season, while increased sponsorship provided critical support for their ambitious endeavours.
Mozzart Sport takes a closer look at the highs and strides that defined Shujaa’s remarkable year.
Shujaa returns to the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series
Kenya 7s made a comeback to the HSBC World Rugby 7s series in June after 378 days in the cold.
Their promotion back to the prestigious series marked a triumphant turnaround after a challenging year away from the spotlight. They were relegated in May 2023 after a narrow 12-7 loss to Canada in the relegation playoff final at the London Sevens.
It was a historic low for the team. For the first time in 23 years, Kenya missed out on the World Series, and due to World Rugby’s new 12-team format, it had no chance of even an invitational slot.
Undeterred, Shujaa embarked on a journey of redemption culminating in their 33-15 victory over Germany in the promotion qualifier playoff held in Madrid, Spain, on June 2, 2024.
The team’s first test came at Dubai 7s, where they finished ninth before a seventh-place finish at Cape Town 7s.
Shujaa retains Safari 7s title
Shujaa clinched their third consecutive Safari 7s title with a hard-fought 12-0 victory over Shogun Rugby in a closely contested final played on Sunday, 13 October, at the Machakos Stadium.
The victory added to their titles from 2021, 2023, and now 2024.
This triumph echoed the 2023 final, where Shujaa defeated Shogun, formerly known as Samurai, with a score of 19-0. The latest victory saw the Kevin Wambua-coached side become the first team to complete a treble since 2008-2010.
Shujaa earns new captains
The team ushered in a new leadership era by appointing Samuel Asati and George Ooro as captains, stepping up after Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi were sidelined due to contractual issues.
Asati and Ooro brought a fresh perspective and a steadying influence on the squad, aiming to navigate the challenges ahead while maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
The duo also captained Shujaa during the Safari 7s.
Shujaa competes at third Olympic games
Shujaa finished ninth in the Paris 2024 Olympics, a performance the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) described as their ‘best-ever Olympic performance’.
They finished 11th in the Tokyo Olympics and 10th during the Rio Olympics.
The Kenyans kicked off their pool matches with a 31-12 loss to Argentina before going down 21-7 to Australia. They suffered a humbling 26-0 defeat in the hands of Samoa to extend their eight-year search for an Olympic pool game victory.
Their first win came after they edged Uruguay 19-14 to proceed to the ninth-place playoff, where they defeated Samoa 10-5 to finish ninth.
Fresh blood continue to impress
The young Shujaa squad has been a revelation, proving their mettle on multiple fronts. This talented group was instrumental in securing Kenya’s qualification for the Olympics, a milestone that reignited hope for the nation’s rugby fans.
Their efforts also brought Kenya back to the prestigious HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, where they are now competing against the world’s best.
Patrick Odongo (Daystar), Samuel 'TinTin' Asati (KCB), and Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos) are some of the vibrant faces who continue to excite fans.
Rugby 7s axed from 2026 Commonwealth Games
Shujaa will not compete in the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the sport was removed.
Hockey and cricket are also the highest-profile sports axed as part of Glasgow’s 11th-hour offering to help salvage the Commonwealth Games. Other sports that have been removed include cycling, mountain biking, or road races, while rhythmic gymnastics has also been cut, leaving only artistic gymnastics.
World Rugby issued a statement noting that the axing was a blow to fans and players but declaring the sport still has a huge role to play in the future of the Games.
.jpg)
