Kevin Wambua, the Kenya Sevens – Shujaa – head coach acknowledged the tough task ahead as the team departed for the decisive two legs of the World Rugby Sevens Tier 2 competitions in Montevideo, Uruguay and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The admission was based on the evaluations after the opening leg of the re-christened competition for teams knocking on the doors of the top division league. Wambua explained that teams assemble in Montevideo with a good knowledge of how each of the teams play.  

Consequently, Shujaa will make the necessary adjustments for each match to finish among the top four and qualify for the championship. Kenya could not have asked for a tougher opening since they renewed their rivalry with a tough USA side in the first match. 

“We have prepared well with an aim of a better performance in Uruguay and Brazil. The goal is to finish among the top four and qualify for the championship. I believe the boys are up to the task,” the coach said in an interview with the Kenya media before departure.

USA Beat Shujaa

It is the USA who inflicted a 21-5 defeat to Shujaa in Nairobi on May 15, 2026. While revenge may not be on the lips of the team, a win by either team would see them inch closer to the championship.

Seasoned scrum-half Brian Tanga returns to the team after recovering from injury with Gabriel Ayimba also given the nod. The rest of the team is unchanged. Shujaa also play against Canada and Belgium on the opening day before facing Germany and hosts Uruguay on Sunday.

The team: George Ooro, Samuel Asati, John Okoth, Dennis Abukuse, Vincent Onyala, Kevin Wekesa, Festus Shiasi, Nygel Amaitsa, Floyd Wabwire, Chrisant Ojwang, Patrick Odongo, David Nyangige, Gabriel Ayimba, Brain Tanga.

Officials: Kevin Wambua (head coach), Louis Kisia (assistant coach), Andrew Amonde (strength and conditioning), Lamech Bogonko (physiotherapist), Erick Ogweno (team manager).

Fixtures, Men

Saturday, March 21, 2026: Uruguay v Belgium, USA v Kenya, Germany v Canada, USA v Uruguay, Kenya v Canada, Germany v Belgium, USA v Canada, Kenya v Belgium, Germany v Uruguay.

Sunday, March 22, 2026: USA v Belgium, Uruguay v Canada, Germany v Kenya, Belgium v Canada, Germany v USA, Kenya v Uruguay. Standing: Germany 20, USA 18, Kenya 16, Uruguay 14, Belgium 12, Canada 10.