A possible line up for the Kenya Lionesses Sevens rugby team to play in the World Rugby Sevens World Series Tier Two competition could have been finalized after Simon Odongo, the coach, named 14 players for a training camp in Alicante, Spain.

The coach has kept faith with the players who reached the final of the Rugby Africa women’s tournament in Nairobi in November, 2025 to have a crack at promotion to the top tier after three tournaments in Kenya, Uruguay and Brazil. In Spain, Kenya Lionesses will play build up matches against the hosts and Belgium.

Odongo explained before the team departed on Sunday that the aim for the camp was to get enough game time against quality opposition. Besides playing friendly matches against Spain who have won Safari Sevens, Kenya Lionesses will simulate the Tier 2 tournament that kicks off on February 14 at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Replicate Efforts

An opportunity to play against Belgium and Spain could replicate efforts by other teams such as China and the USA who played at the biannual McDonalds Fiji Coral Sevens early in January. Kenya Lionesses will be in Spain until February 1 before returning back to finalize their preparations.

In a congratulatory gesture, Odongo welcomed South Africa and Argentina’s qualification and promotion to the Tier Two competition. “For Africa, this means we shall have two teams at Sevens Tier 2. Argentina have been consistent in the series. We have played them and you can see the hard work they have put in has seen them qualify,” the coach added. 

With South Africa’s qualification, there is a likely chance of a renewal of continental rivalry with Kenya during the Tier Two competition.

Squad named for Spain camp

Naomi Umuguni (Mwamba), Stella Wafula (Impala), Moreen Muritu, Sheila Chajira (Kenya Harlequin FC), Phoebe Akinyi (Northern Surbubs), Christabel Lindo (Impala), Janet Okello (unattached), Edith Nariaka, Sinaida Nyachio (Mwamba), Grace Okulu (Racing 92, France), Marvel Oswago (Rongo University), Faith Livoi (Mwamba), Freshia Awino (Nakuru RFC), Nelly Chikombe (Impala).