Lionesses ramp up preparations for HSBC Sevens Division Two tour of South America

Lionesses strength and conditioning coach Jeff Onyango/CHARLENE MALWA

Kenya’s national women’s rugby sevens team, the Kenya Lionesses, has stepped up physical and tactical preparations ahead of the next two legs of the 2026 HSBC SVNS Division Two in Montevideo, Uruguay, and São Paulo, Brazil.

The squad is targeting a top-four finish, which would secure a coveted spot in the World Championship play-offs.

Strength and conditioning coach Jeff Onyango explained that the focus has been on building a solid conditioning base.

Unlike the men’s programme, where players arrive well-prepared through structured domestic leagues, many Lionesses develop strength, speed, and agility primarily within the national team environment.

“Most of the girls come into camp raw, so we have to build their conditioning here. Recovery is now a key part of our programme, especially given the busy calendar and limited squad depth,” Onyango said.

The team enter the South American legs on the back of strong performances.

They dominated the 2025 Challenger Series, winning back-to-back legs in Cape Town, including a 17-0 victory over hosts South Africa.

At the Safari Sevens in Nairobi, the Lionesses opened with a 34-7 win over Tunisia before clinching the title with a 14-10 victory over Uganda Lady Cranes.

These results underscore their competitiveness and growing reputation on the global stage.

Onyango revealed that preparations have also factored in the environmental and logistical demands of South America.

Players are adjusting sleep schedules and hydration routines to cope with a seven-hour time difference, while training has accounted for colder temperatures, strong winds, and varying pitch traction expected in Montevideo and São Paulo.

Kenya faces tough competition, including traditional rivals South Africa, Argentina, and Colombia, all of whom bring deeper player pools and international experience.

Onyango remains confident in the team’s readiness: “Our goal is to finish in the top four. It’s a long trip, and we cannot afford to come back disappointed.”