Kenya’s rugby community is celebrating a monumental achievement as both the national men’s and women’s sevens teams, Shujaa and the Lionesses, secured their place in the prestigious 2026 HSBC SVNS Division 2. This historic feat was sealed after a thrilling and intense playoff tournament held from May 3-4, 2025, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles.
The high-pressure promotion and relegation playoffs marked a defining moment for Kenya’s rugby journey, with both teams battling hard to earn their spot in the revamped HSBC SVNS structure set to take effect in 2026. The new format introduces a three-tiered competition featuring Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3, with the top four teams in Los Angeles advancing to Division 2—an honor both Kenyan sides now proudly hold.
The Kenya Lionesses, coming off a stellar performance in the 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, demonstrated unmatched resilience. Despite a rocky start to the playoffs, with losses to Spain (33–14) and Brazil (28–10), they mounted a remarkable comeback. A narrow 7–5 victory over Colombia propelled them into a tense final against South Africa. With the match on the line and South Africa leading 14–10, Freshia Adhiambo’s dramatic try in the final seconds clinched a 17–14 win, securing Kenya’s spot in Division 2.
On the men’s side, Shujaa, drawn into a challenging Pool A alongside Samoa, Portugal, and USA, fought their way to a playoff final with a 1–2 record in the group stage. In a pivotal clash against Canada, Shujaa turned in a dominant 24–5 victory, avenging their 2024 relegation in a display that left fans buzzing with pride.
Kenya’s rise in the international rugby scene is also supported by key partnerships such as SportPesa Kenya’s Tujiamini initiative and DBA Africa, which are critical in nurturing local talent and fueling the teams’ ascent to global prominence.
This double qualification is not just a win on the field but a powerful symbol of Kenya’s rugby resilience, ambition, and collective spirit. As Shujaa and the Lionesses prepare for the 2026 season, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to reclaim its place among the world’s rugby elite.
