Shujaa, Lionesses set for tough tests as Nyayo hosts World Sevens Division Two

  Kenya Sevens' Patrick Odongo in action against South Africa during the Singapore Sevens/ HANDOUT

Shujaa will face the United States and Germany in the World Sevens Series Division Two, a tricky assignment at Nyayo Stadium on February 14–15.

Pool B will feature Uruguay, Belgium and Canada, setting up a competitive opening round in the men’s competition.

In the women’s tournament, China, Kenya and Spain have been drawn together in one pool, while Brazil, South Africa and Argentina will contest the second pool.

Shujaa concluded a week-long high-performance training camp in South Africa, with Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) director of rugby and Pathway Paul Odera describing it as vital in preparation for the opening leg, ahead of the second leg scheduled for Uruguay and Brazil in March.

“The boys played a few build-up matches against quality sides in Cape Town. They had time to upskill various facets of their play and are looking sharp,” said Odera.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Lionesses departed the country on Sunday for a five-day high-performance camp in Alicante, Spain, where they will play build-up matches against Spain and Belgium as part of their preparations for the opening leg.

KRU chief executive officer, Thomas Odundo, said preparations for the tournament were on course, revealing that 10,000 tickets have already been sold for the two-day rugby extravaganza, with VIP tickets already sold out.

“We are on course for the tournament. The various teams handling different areas are working well, and with still three weeks to go, I believe we will have a full house,” said Odundo.

The tournament received a major boost after securing a KSh 40 million sponsorship from East African Breweries Limited (EABL).

The sponsorship has been structured to ensure smooth delivery of the event, with Sh 20 million allocated to operational and logistical support, Sh12 million set aside for experiential initiatives and KSh 8 million earmarked for publicity to enhance the tournament’s reach locally and beyond Kenyan borders.

KRU chairperson Harriet Okach expressed gratitude to Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) for its continued support of the sport, noting that Tusker’s long-standing partnership with Kenyan rugby has grown stronger over the years.

She said having Tusker on board for the HSBC SVNS2 was significant not only for the tournament but also for enhancing the fan experience, adding that the union was confident of delivering a successful and memorable event.