Shujaa keen to get out of relegation territory as focus shifts to Los Angeles 7s

The men’s national rugby 7s side Shujaa will be hoping to continue with their resurgence in the 2023 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series when they compete in the Los Angeles 7s taking place from 25-26 February at the Dignity Health Sports Park in California, USA.

While the USA will be looking to use their home field advantage and passionate fans as an added boost when they continue their quest of qualifying for Paris 2024, Shujaa will be keen to get some valuable points in their bid to avoid relegation from the Series.

As things currently stand, the Damian McGrath coached side are currently in 12th place – one of the three relegation playoff spots – on 21 points just three behind Uruguay who are in eleventh place which is out of the relegation places.

Heading into the tournament, which is the sixth of the scheduled eleven this season, Kenya have been drawn against double Olympic Gold medalists Fiji, defending champions Australia and Japan who are currently last on the standings.

Having been boosted by the return of Mwamba duo Billy Odhiambo and Daniel Taabu, McGrath, who handed a debut to Strathmore Leos’ Brunson Madigu, backed the team to put up a fight despite the challenging task that lies ahead.

“We are in a very tough group with Fiji and Australia who are immediate stumbling blocks to getting through to a quarterfinal but it should be noted that all the teams around us are now fighting to save themselves,” he said during the squad unveiling.

"Japan, who are rock bottom, are in our group but are by no means an easy team to beat. They pushed teams close and it must be noted that they have been in the USA for two weeks preparing for this. They have also brought their development team, which just shows the type of opposition we are up against, where teams are truly high performance and looking to prepare themselves and give themselves the best opportunity of winning.

We have had a good two weeks of training at Peponi School and we are thankful for all the help they give us. We are going to fight and try make sure that we can secure valuable points to help our ultimate aim of remaining on the World Series,” he stated.

In the other groups, New Zealand take their place in Pool A alongside Cape Town champions Samoa, hosts USA and invitational team Chile.

Dubai champions South Africa slot into Pool B alongside Ireland, Uruguay and Canada.

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France, who currently sit fourth in the Series standings, are joined by Great Britain, Hamilton champions Argentina and Spain in Pool D.

This season, following the penultimate event in Toulouse, the 15th ranked team will be relegated to the 2024 Sevens Challenger Series while the 12th through 14th ranked teams will face off against the Sevens Challenger Series 2023 winner for the 12th and final position on the 2024 Series.