Shujaa eager to make HSBC World Rugby 7s Series return memorable

The Kenya 7s national team, Shujaa, are set to make their highly anticipated return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series a comeback to remember.

Their promotion back to the prestigious series marks 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, as it was the first time in 23 years that Kenya missed out on the World Series, with no chance of even an invitational slot due to World Rugby’s new 12-team format.

Undeterred, Shujaa embarked on a journey of redemption that culminated in their resounding 33-15 victory over Germany in the promotion qualifier playoff held in Madrid, Spain, on June 2, 2024.

The team’s first test will come at the Dubai 7s, scheduled for November 30 and December 1, 2024.

Placed in the formidable Pool A, Shujaa faces a challenging lineup of opponents. They will open against France, fresh off an Olympic gold medal win and victory in the final Series event in Madrid. Adding to the intensity is an all-African showdown with South Africa, a team with a strong track record in Dubai. Shujaa will also face Australia, reigniting a rivalry that dates back to their closely contested clash at the Paris Olympics.

The team's head coach Kevin Wambua is confident that his charges are ready for the challenge. They will be looking to build on their Challenger Series, Olympics, and Safari 7s experience. They finished ninth during the Paris 2024 Olympics and went on to win the Safari 7s earlier in November.

“We played against Australia at the Olympics, and it was very close. For South Africa, we had them during the Olympic qualifiers, and again we will be facing them. It is not going to be easy. We have focused more on France and analyzed them, so we are ready to take them,” Wambua offered.

He went on to highlight the depth within the team, noting that it is a perfect blend of experience and emerging stars who are all eager to showcase their skills on the global stage.

George Ooro sends Kenya Sevens fans 'trust' message ahead of HSBC SVNS return

"Leading the boys is a challenge, but it’s one I have to fill in. We started together, and the process was quite easy since we already knew what it was like to be there. We have a balanced squad blending youth and experience. Asati and Ooro’s leadership will be pivotal as we aim for a strong start in Dubai,” he remarked.

Shujaa assistant coach Louis Khisia echoed Wambua’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s focus as they gear up for their first tournament since returning to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. He called for patience as the squad settles into the competition.

"It is our first tournament, and players are still testing the waters. Ours is to go there, give a good account of ourselves, take a game at a time, and ensure we get good results. Everybody wants to be associated with winners. We will bring good results and come to our sponsors' offices again," Khisia told SportBoom.com.

On his side, Shujaa captain George Ooro expressed his excitement about the team's return to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, noting how much it means to the team and Kenyan rugby fans.

“It is so nice to be back, it is a very good feeling to be back at the Dubai 7s. We have prepared well and we are ready for our pool opponents. We have wished for all these moments.

"Our fans have always been behind us, even when we were in the Challenger Series and now we’re back in the SVNS. The fans give us that extra energy and motivation to play for them and for those who are back home watching,” he said.

Starting Squad

Experienced forward Kevin Wekesa, who has played 83 matches and scored 24 tries, will continue to wear his usual jersey number six. Co-captain Ooro, with 48 matches and 12 tries in the World 7s Series, will also retain jersey number 3.

Dennis Abukuse, who has played 39 matches and scored 10 tries, will wear jersey 13 as he looks to extend his try tally to the 40s. Benson Salem returns to the World 7s Series with jersey number 1, having played six matches and scored two tries.

Speedster Floyd Wabwire, who has played four matches under coach Damian McGrath, will wear jersey 25. World SVNS Series debutants Samuel Asati will don jersey number 9, while Nygel Amaitsa keeps jersey number 10.

William Mwanji will take jersey number 19, with Festus Shiasi donning jersey number 5, previously worn by the retired Billy Odhiambo.

The iconic jersey number 11, once worn by legendary Collins Injera, will now be worn by Patrick Odongo, while Chrissant Ojwang will take jersey number 12, previously held by Willy Ambaka. Brian Mutua will wear jersey 33, and Brayan Ondego will take jersey number 37 as they make their mark in the series.

Former Kenya Sevens captain Tony Omondi to feature in Dubai 7s

Squad: William Mwanji Indakalu (#19) Kevin Wekesa (#6) Samuel Asati (#9) Nygel Pettersan Amaitsa (#10) Denis Abukuse (#13) Floyd Wabwire (#25) George Ooro Angeyo (#3) Festus Shiasi Safari (#5) Patrick Odongo Okong’o (#11) Brayan Ondego (#37) Brian Mutilu Mutua (#33) Benson Adoyo (#1) Chrisant Ojwang (#12)

Men’s Pools

Pool A: France, South Africa, Australia, Kenya

Pool B: Argentina, Ireland, Great Britain, Uruguay

Pool C: Fiji, New Zealand, USA, Spain

Women’s Pools

Pool A: Australia, Ireland, Fiji, China

Pool B: France, USA, Great Britain, Spain

Pool C: New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Brazil