Kenya Lionesses have an uphill task in Krakow, Poland when the third and final leg of the World Rugby Challenger Series kicks off on May 18, 2024. 

The Dennis Mwanja-coached side must finish among the top two teams to qualify for the play-off in Madrid, Spain at the end of May. Also, they must finish ahead of Uganda and Belgium. 

That is the task ahead of the team which has two changes from the side that played in Montevideo, Uruguay. Two debutants – Freshia Oduor and Edith Nairaka – have been included in the team. They replace Japan-based Janet Okello and Grace Okulu. The two players have not been released by their club side Pearls. 

Kenya Lionesses who will be captained by Sheila Chajira have been drawn in Pool C with Belgium, Mexico and hosts Poland. The first match is against Poland before the Lionesses face Belgium and Mexico. Mwanja is hopeful the team can reproduce the form that saw them finish second in the opening tournament in Dubai before a dip in form at the second. 

The coach is also keen to ensure a smooth transition by including upcoming players so that they can gain experience and step in the shoes of some of the senior players when they exit. After two legs, Kenya are fifth on the 12-team log headed by China.

Kenya Lionesses: Sheila Chajira (captain), Judith Okumu, Christabel Lindo, Stella Wafula, Naomi Amuguni, Terry Ayesa, Sharon Auma, Sinaida Nyachio, Phoebe Akinyi, Maureen Muritu, Freshia Oduor, Edith Nariaka.

Pools in Krakow, Poland       

Women

Pool A: China, Czechia, Hong Kong China, Thailand

Pool B: Argentina, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Uganda

Pool C: Belgium, Kenya, Mexico, Poland.

Order of play: Thailand v Hong Kong China, China v Czechia, Uganda v Paraguay, Argentina v Papua New Guinea, Poland v Kenya, Belgium v Mexico, Thailand v Czechia,  China v Hong Kong China, Uganda v Papua New Guinea, Argentina v Paraguay, Poland v Mexico, Belgium v Kenya, Hong Kong China v Czechia, China v Thailand, Paraguay v Papua New Guinea, Argentina v Uganda, Kenya v Mexico, Belgium v Poland.

Standing after two tournaments

China 40 (270), Argentina 34 (147), Belgium 26 (106), Uganda 28 (-68), Kenya 24 (23), Poland 22 (103), Thailand 18 (28), Hong Kong China 11 (-48), Czechia 9 (-25), Paraguay (6 (-136), Papua New Guinea 5 (-88), Mexico 3 (-312). 

Draw for the playoff in Madrid, Spain

Pool A: Japan. Spain, Challenger 1, Challenger 4.

Pool B: Brazil, South Africa, Challenger 2, Challenger 3.