Kevin Wambua reveals player selection criteria as Shujaa gears up for 2026 HSBC
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 26.07.25. | 16:02
Player performance will be continuously monitored based on passing, tackling, contesting high balls, contact skills, and contributions to both attacking and defensive play
Kenya 7s head coach Kevin Wambua has unveiled a comprehensive player selection framework as part of the team’s preparations for Division 2 of the 2026 HSBC World Rugby 7s Series.
The criteria, designed to guide aspiring players, coaches, and clubs, puts a strong emphasis on fitness, skill, and performance metrics across all positions.
The roadmap is a bold step toward reinforcing the team's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent through clear, measurable standards and structured progression.
Key selection metrics
Wambua’s framework distinguishes between forwards and backs, with tailored expectations in fitness, speed, skill execution, and strength.
Forwards
Fitness and speed: Players must attain a minimum YO-YO test score of 18, run 10m in under 2 seconds, 40m in under 5.3 seconds, and complete 100m within 15 seconds.
Skills: Accurate passing (left and right) over 10 metres, effective tackling from all angles, and contesting high balls are mandatory.
Strength: Required to bench press 130kg (1-rep max) and squat 180kg (2-rep max).
Backs
Fitness and speed: Higher thresholds, including a YO-YO test level of 19, 10m sprint under 2 seconds, 40m under 5 seconds, and 100m in 12 seconds or less.
Skills: Must meet the same standards for passing, tackling, and aerial ability as forwards.
Strength: Bench press requirement is 120kg, with a squat minimum of 160kg.
Position-specific requirements
Each position has its own set of expectations to ensure players meet the tactical and physical demands of the modern game:
Props: Emphasis on aerial contesting, jackal skills, accurate passing, speed, and decision-making on both ends of play. Minimum 70% tackle efficiency.
Hookers: Must display excellent jackal ability, speed, left/right passing, and aerial work, alongside 80% tackle efficiency and pod lifting competence.
Scrum-halves: Key playmakers who need 80% tackle efficiency, lineout throw accuracy, speed, jackal skill, and elite organizational play.
Fly-halves: Must possess strong kicking, playmaking instincts, accurate passing, and 70% tackle efficiency.
Centres: Expected to consistently break lines, pass accurately, tackle at 80% efficiency, and contribute both in attack and defensive reads.
Wingers: Speed and finishing are paramount, with requirements including precise kicking, aerial dominance, 1v1 attacking skills, and 80% tackle efficiency.
Continuous evaluation
Wambua confirmed that player performance will be monitored consistently using metrics such as:Passing and tackling accuracy, High ball contests, Contact and floor work,Attacking and defensive contributions, Playmaking and decision-making and 1v1 evasion and jackal effectiveness.
Player performance will be continuously monitored based on passing, tackling, contesting high balls, contact skills, and contributions to both attacking and defensive play.
Post-tournament player rankings will be based on metrics such as line breaks, pass accuracy, 1v1 tackles, aerial skills, playmaking, floor work, 1v1 evasion, jackal effectiveness, finishing, and decision-making, with total scores determining overall ranking.
