Shujaa Pinning Hopes on Past Experiences After Landing in Tough Pool for HSBC World Championship

Kenya Sevens’ path back to the top flight, the 2026-27 HSBC SVNS Division One, will get even more difficult after they landed in a difficult pool at the World Championship Series in Hong Kong.

After finishing second in the second tier HSBC SVNS2, Shujaa made it to the World Championship, a three-leg tournament set to be played in Hongkong (April 17-19), Valladolid, Spain (May 29-31) and Bordeaux, France (June 5-7).

In the three legs, Kenya, alongside HSBC SVNS2 leaders USA, Uruguay and Germany will join the eight sides currently in the top flight, being SVNS Division 1 leaders South Africa, second-placed Fiji, third-placed Australia, New Zealand, France, Argentina, Spain and Great Britain.

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At the conclusion at the final leg in Bordeaux, the top eight from the 12 teams will qualify for the 2026-27 HSBC SVNS Division One.

However, Kenya will have to do it the hard way as they were pooled in Group C alongside USA, New Zealand and Australia for Hong Kong where they need a good start to stay in contention.

All the teams are familiar to Kenya but they have not played New Zealand and Australia in over one year while they have been with the Americans in the HSBC SVNS2.

Shujaa have a poor record against New Zealand, who they last beat in April 2018, following that with a run of 14 straight losses, and given the lack of experience within Kevin Wambua’s team, their work is cut out.

Meanwhile, Kenya and Australia last faced off in December 2024, Shujaa winning 19-12 and they have a better record against them which will boost their confidence. That was their third win in their last 10 meetings, a run that includes one draw and six defeats.

However, despite the difficulties facing them, they will feel confident of getting over the line given the key improvements made in recent tournaments.