Zambia pull out as Kenya Sevens learn opponents ahead of Safari 7s

Kenya’s Shujaa and Morans have learned their opponents ahead of the 2025 Safari 7s, set for Friday, 10 to Sunday, 12 October at the Nyayo National Stadium.

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Shujaa, who will be gunning for a fourth consecutive title, have been drawn in Pool A alongside French Renegades, UK Select, and Walukuba Rugby.

The Kevin Wambua-coached side will be looking to build on last year’s success, where they edged Shogun Rugby 12–0 in the final to claim their third straight title.

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That 2024 triumph saw Shujaa become the first team to win three successive Safari 7s crowns since Kenya’s dominant run between 2008 and 2010, a record they will now seek to extend even further.

In Pool B, 2024 runners-up Shogun Rugby headline a competitive group that includes Uganda, Nyati, and National 7s Circuit champions KCB Rugby.

Nyati steps in to replace Zambia, who have withdrawn from the tournament due to financial constraints.

Zambia’s withdrawal comes as a setback to the event, as the team had been set to make its long-awaited return after last featuring in 2019.

The Zambian Rugby Union has instead chosen to channel its limited resources towards the women’s national team, who will represent the country at the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Cup in Nairobi this November.

Meanwhile, in Pool C, Kenya Morans, the Shujaa feeder team, will face Zimbabwe, Apache, and ReUnion in what promises to be another exciting group.

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Women’s competition

The women’s category is equally stacked with top-tier competition.

In Pool A, defending champions Costa Blanca Barbarians from Spain will be out to retain their crown after a stellar debut in 2024. They are grouped with the experienced Shogun Ladies, the promising Kenya Cubs, and Mwamba Select.

Pool B brings together home favourites Kenya Lionesses, who will be chasing redemption after falling short in the last two finals. Uganda, Belgium, and Tunisia join them in a pool that promises to be exciting.

The Costa Blanca Barbarians made history last year, defeating the Kenya Lionesses 24–10 in a thrilling final at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos. The Lionesses, who also lost to Uganda in the 2023 final, will be eager to reclaim their place at the top.

The Uganda Lady Cranes, who finished third in 2024 after a commanding 25–0 victory over the Shogun Ladies, will also be among the strong contenders for this year’s title.

Safari 7s Men’s Pools

Pool A: Kenya Shujaa, French Renegades, UK Select, Walukuba Rugby

Pool B: Shogun, Uganda, Nyati, KCB Rugby

Pool C: Kenya Morans, Zimbabwe, Apache, ReUnion

Safari 7s Women’s Pools:

Pool A: Costa Blanca Barbarians, Shogun, Kenya Cubs, Mwamba Select

Pool B: Kenya Lionesses, Uganda, Belgium, Tunisia

2025 Safari 7s Age Grade Pools

Boys Pools:

Pool A: Nyanza, Nairobi, Eastern

Pool B: International Schools, Rift Valley, Central

Pool C: Western, Coast, Uganda

Girls Pools:

Pool A: Western, Nairobi, Rift Valley

Pool B: Coast, Central, Uganda

Pool C: International Schools, Eastern, Nyanza