The Kenya national men’s Rugby 7s team, popularly known as Shujaa, has set up a residential training camp in Nakuru as they gear up for the Perth 7s. The tournament, scheduled for January 24–26, 2025, marks the third round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
Shujaa, who rejoined the World Series after a year-long hiatus, have been drawn into Pool C, where they face a daunting challenge against rugby powerhouses Uruguay, New Zealand, and Fiji.
Pool C Overview
Fiji The current series leaders with 36 points, having showcased dominance in previous rounds.,New Zealand Sitting sixth on the standings with 24 points, the Kiwis remain a formidable force.Shujaa are in ninth place with 11 points, five ahead of 10th-placed Uruguay, who round out the group.
Other Pools
- Pool A: Host nation Australia leads the group alongside reigning league champions Argentina, Cape Town winners South Africa, and the USA in a pool stacked with heavyweight contenders.
- Pool B: Features an all-European clash with Olympic champions France, Great Britain, Spain, and Ireland vying for supremacy.
Shujaa’s Road to Perth
Shujaa kicked off their World Series campaign in Dubai, finishing 10th and earning 3 points. They made significant strides in the second leg at the Cape Town 7s, advancing to the Cup quarterfinals. Despite a 14-26 loss to Argentina in the 5th place semifinal, they bounced back with a 32-17 victory over Great Britain in the 7th place playoff.
Kenya’s efforts have seen them rise to 9th overall, showcasing resilience and steady progress as they head into the Australian leg of the series.
Rich History Against Pool C Opponents
Shujaa share a storied rivalry with their Pool C opponents:
Fiji ,The perennial sevens giants have been a consistent challenge for Kenya.New Zealand known for their physical and fast-paced style, the All Blacks 7s are always tough competitors.Meanwhile Uruguay: A closer rival in the standings, this matchup could be pivotal in the race for points.
One standout encounter from 2024 saw Shujaa stage a thrilling comeback to defeat Fiji 19-12 at the Cape Town 7s, despite being reduced to six men. Moments like these exemplify Kenya’s tenacity and potential to upset rugby’s elite.
Building Momentum
The Nakuru training camp offers Shujaa a vital opportunity to fine-tune strategies and enhance cohesion as they prepare for what promises to be a scintillating tournament in Perth. With a rich history and undeniable passion for the game, Shujaa will be looking to make a strong statement in the third round of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
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