Shujaa land fair draw as Safari 7s pools are announced

Safari 7s defending champions, Shujaa, have learned their opponents ahead of the much-anticipated Safari Sevens tournament slated for Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 13 at Machakos Stadium.

Kevin Wambua’s charges are the top seeds and have landed in Pool A, which features Zimbabwe, Lions Rugby, Qatar Rugby, and the Kenya Varsity Select team.

Pool B includes Uganda, who finished third in last year’s competition, alongside the Morans, National 7s Circuit champions Kenya Harlequin, and invitational sides Shogun Rugby (last year’s runners-up) and Red Wailers.

The women’s competition will follow a round-robin format, featuring teams such as Costablanca Barbarians, Shogun, Kenya Lionesses, Uganda, Kenya Cup, and a second Ugandan side competing for top honors.

The action kicks off on Friday morning with age-grade teams from across the country competing before the senior teams officially launch their campaigns later in the afternoon.

Kenya Sevens, Lionesses squads for Safari 7s

About Safari 7s

The Safari 7s is an annual rugby sevens tournament that attracts international teams, professional and amateur clubs, and university and school teams.

Traditionally held at the RFUEA Grounds, the event has shifted venues over the years, including Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre. After being hosted at RFUEA and Nyayo in recent years, this year’s tournament will take place in Machakos.

Last year’s Safari 7s marked a triumphant return after a hiatus in 2022. In a thrilling final at the RFUEA Grounds, Shujaa secured a 19-0 victory over Samurai Sevens, retaining their title.

Led by head coach Wambua, the Shujaa squad entered the final undefeated, aiming for back-to-back titles. However, their highly-rated opponents, Samurai, reclaimed the championship they last held in 2019 with a 21-14 win over Shujaa.

Safari 7s Pools:

Pool A: Shujaa, Zimbabwe, Lions Rugby, Qatar Rugby, Kenya Varsity Select

Pool B: Uganda, Morans, Kenya Harlequin, Shogun Rugby, Red Wailers

Women’s Category (Round Robin Format): Costablanca Barbarians, Shogun, Kenya Lionesses, Uganda (defending champions), Kenya Cup, Uganda 246800

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