Shujaa, Lionesses learn opponents ahead of Montevideo challenge

Kenya national rugby 7’s teams, Shujaa and Lionesses have landed pool A and B respectively ahead of the second HSBC Challenger Series slated for Montevideo, Uruguay from 8-10 March.

Shujaa who are fresh from the HSBC Challenger Series in Dubai have been placed in Pool A together with Tonga, Georgia, and Portugal. They will be looking to pick up from where they left off to extend their winning streak.

The Kevin Wambua-coached Shujaa head to the tournament as favorites following their impressive performance in Dubai where they bagged five out of six matches.

They currently hold 20 points, maintaining a two-point lead over Chile.

In Pool B, HSBC Challenger Series-opener finalists Chile will lock horns with Japan, Hong Kong, and Mexico.

The final pool, Pool C, consists of Uruguay, Germany, Uganda, and Papua Guinea.

The team clinched the Challenger Series opener by defeating Chile 12-5 in the final at the Sevens Stadium, with Patrick Odongo’s crucial two tries playing a pivotal role.

Dates confirmed for 2024 National Sevens Circuit

Lionesses on the other hand find themselves in Pool B. They will face off against Belgium, Hong Kong, and Papua New Guinea.

In Pool A, China, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Portugal will lock horns. Pool C sees Uganda, Uruguay, Germany, and Papua New Guinea 

The Challenger Series, introduced in February 2020, serves to enhance the global development of rugby sevens and establish a clear promotion pathway to the top tier of global rugby sevens.

The series unfolds in three rounds across three continents, with the top four men’s and women’s teams in the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 earning the opportunity to participate in a promotion and relegation play-off competition at the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid from May 31 to June 2, 2024.

This competition will feature teams ranked ninth to 12th from HSBC SVNS 2024.