Kenya’s opponents who are also bracing for a return to the top tier World Rugby Sevens World Series are leaving nothing to chance as they tune up by playing in competitive tournaments ahead of the kick off in January.

Already, South Africa’s women’s team warmed up by qualifying for the tier three tournament to be held in Dubai in January by winning the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens title in November in Nairobi. They fielded a strong side at the 12-team event by including players who were in England with the 15’s team for the women’s Rugby World Cup.

They barely had time to celebrate before sending a South Africa A team to Dubai Sevens. This team included four players who were in Kenya for the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s and one from the training squad. The South Africa A team that was captained by Shiniqwa Lampretch also had Liske Letgan, Vianca Boer and Byrhandre Dolf who were all in Nairobi. Shannon-Lee Windvogel from the larger training squad was also included.

In January, the USA men’s 7s team will be in Fiji for the annual McDonalds Fiji Coral 7s which has reverted to the 24-team format.

Wider Squad

Recently, Kenya Lionesses and the men’s team Shujaa named their wider squad for the Tier Two tournaments which start in Nairobi in February before moving to Uruguay and Brazil. 

Simon Odongo, the Kenya Lionesses coach named the bulk of players that represented the country at the annual Safari Sevens. Judith Auma and Yvette Okech have recovered from injury and are included in the training squad. Also, Stella Wafula and Diana Owino who had a stint with Rhinos High Performance Camp in the USA are available. 

The three tournaments in Kenya, Uruguay and Brazil shall feature six teams in both categories.  Already, China, Kenya, Spain, Brazil (women) and Kenya, USA, Germany, Uruguay (men) have qualified. They will be joined by two teams from the tier three competition to be played in Dubai from January 17-18, 2026.

The teams to compete at the tier three tournament in Dubai are: Argentina, Colombia, Czechia, Mexico, Poland, Samoa, South Africa, Thailand (women) and Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong China, Italy, Madagascar, Samoa, Tonga (men).

Kenya Lionesses

Forwards: Naomi Amuguni (Mwamba), Stella Wafula (Impala), Charity Nillah (National Youth Service), Gloria Matasio (Shamberere), Moreen Muritu (Kenya Harlequin FC), Christabel Lindo (Impala), Agnes Salamba, Sheila Chajira (Kenya Harlequin FC), Phoebe Akinyi (Northern Surbubs), Maureen Chebet (Mwamba).

Backs: Faith Livoi (Mwamba), Grace Okulu (Racing 92, France), Freshia Awino (Nakuru RFC), Nelly Chikombe (Impala), Diana Awino (Impala), Yvette Okech (Northern Surbubs), Judith Auma (Impala), Edith Nariaka (Mwamba), Maxine Abuga (Kenya Harlequin FC), Tracy  Msungu (Nakuru RFC), Sinaida Nyachio (Mwamba), Ann Namunyak (Ruck It), Faith Achieng (Northern Surbubs), Beatrice Osimbo (Shamberere), Janet Okello (Unattached), Marvel Oswago (Rongo University).

Officials: Simon Odongo (head coach), Geoffrey Onyango (strength and conditioning), Camilyne Oyuayo (team manager), Peruce Muyuka (assistant team manager), Levyce Kituyi, John Elly (physiotherapists), 

Shujaa

Nygel Amaitsa, Felix Odhiambo, Victor Ochieng, Gabriel Ayimba (Strathmore), Chrisant Ojwang (Nakuru RFC), John Okoth, Dennis Abukuse, Daniel Kipchirchir (Menengai Oilers), Antony Omondi, Eugene Ojiambo (Mwamba), Vincent Onyala, Samuel Asati, George Ooro, Floyd Wabwire, Festus Shiasi, Elvis Sitati (KCB), Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga, Brian Mutua, Jackson Siketi, Rayvon Ambale (Kabras), Patrick Odongo, Clinton Amukachi, Arnold Agonda (Daystar University), David Nyangige (Impala RFC).Officials: Kevin Wambua (Head Coach), Louis Kisia (Assistant coach), Andrew Amonde (Strength & Conditioning), Lamech Bogonko (physiotherapist), Erick Ogweno (team manager), Morgan Ngumbi (assistant team manager).