Player rotation by the technical bench of Shujaa, the Kenya national seven-a-side team has seen the inclusion of Victor Odhiambo Mola in the squad for the last two tournaments of the World Rugby Sevens Championship in Spain and France.

Mola was among the 18 players who traveled to South Africa for a camp before the start of the championships. He is one of the few changes in the team named by Kevin Wambua, the national coach.

His inclusion sparked a conversation in the social media especially after Floyd Wabwire was left out. The discussion was based on the fact that a good national circuit performance may not translate to success at international tournaments.

Wambua explained that Mola could have an x-factor which could be crucial in the last two tournaments. Also, Chrisant Ojwang returns from injury while Gbriel Ayimba has academic commitments. 

Minimize Mistakes

The key to success in the remaining two tournaments will be minimizing mistakes at crucial moments in every match. Wambua explained that narrow margins could decide whether a team advances to the next stage or not.

Although the coach is confident Kenya could return to top-flight competition by finishing among the top eight teams at the conclusion of the championship in France. 

Kenya has been drawn in a tough A with South Africa, Australia and Great Britain. 

South Africa, which provides two teams – men and women – in the championship have also named their squads.  Philip Snyman who steered Blitzboks to their first Hong Kong Sevens title has made a few changes to the team.

Ricardo Duarttee has been named as a last minute replacement for Ronald Brown. Also,  Dewald Human and Gino Cupido who missed traveling to Hong Kong because of injuries have rejoined the team. Cupido replaces Donavan Don.

Invitational Tournaments

Some players from the wider squad will play at invitational tournaments in Europe. Grant de Jager, Siya Ndlozi, and Rowan Malgas will play for Shogun in Amsterdam Sevens from June 6-7, 2026 while Juan Smith and Renaldo Young will play for Titans in the same tournament.

Cecil Africa, coach of South Africa’s women’s team has Vianca Boer returning from injury. He will be without the inspirational captain Nadine Roos as well as Asisipho Plaatjies (injured in Hong Kong), Shannon-Lee Windvogel, Simamkele Namba, and Liske Lategan.

Since winning the third tier tournament in Dubai, South Africa has had to turn up each time to perform in the next tier. The attrition rate is finally evidenced by the number of injuries as the team reached the championship stage which is brutal. 

Despite the absence of some of the key players, Africa feels he has had enough time to blood new players and has a settled squad for Spain and France. South Africa has a tough draw after being placed in Pool B with Australia, USA, and Fiji.

Teams

Shujaa: George Ooro (captain), Samuel Asati (captain),  Vincent Onyala (KCB), Kevin Wekesa, Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Dennis Abukuse, John Okoth, (Menengai Oilers), Nygel Amaitsa, Victor Odhiambo (Strathmore), Patrick Odongo (Daystar), Festus Safari, Chrisant Ojwang (Nakuru RFC), David Nyangige.

Blitzboks: Ryan Oosthuizen, Impi Visser (captain), Zain Davids, Ricardo Duarttee, Selvyn Davids, Dewald Human, Siviwe Soyizwapi, Shilton Van Wyk, Quewin Nortje, Sebastiaan Jobb, David Brits, Tristan Leyds, Jayden Nell, Gino Cupido.

South Africa women: Patience Mokone, Zintle Mphupa (captain), Shiniqwa Lampretch, Shanidine Bezuidehout, Ayanda Malinga, Lerato Makua, Maria Tshiremba, Catha Jacobs, Maceala Samboya, Byrhandre Dolf, Vianca Boer, Jane Mulder, Owami Mohuli, Eloise Webb.

World Rugby Sevens Series Championship

Valladolid, Spain, May 29-31, 2026.

Women

Pool A: New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Brazil.

Pool B: Australia, USA, Fiji, South Africa.

Pool C: France, Canada, Spain, Great Britain.

Order of Play:USA v Fiji, Australia v South Africa, Japan v Brazil, New Zealand v Argentina, Canada v Spain, France v Great Britain, USA v South Africa, Australia v Fiji, Japan v Argentina, New Zealand v Brazil, Canada v Great Britain, France v Spain, Fiji v South Africa, Australia v USA, Brazil v Argentina, New Zealand v Japan, Spain v Great Britain, France v Canada.

Men

Pool A: South Africa, Australia, Kenya, Great Britain.

Pool B:  Argentina, New Zealand, Uruguay, Germany.

Pool C: Spain, Fiji, France, USA.Order of Play: New Zealand v Uruguay, Argentina v Germany, Australia v Kenya, South Africa v Great Britain, Fiji v France, Spain v USA, New Zealand v Germany, Argentina v Uruguay, Australia v Great Britain, South Africa v Kenya, Fiji v USA, Spain v France, Uruguay v Germany, Argentina v New Zealand, Kenya v Great Britain, South Africa v Australia, France v USA, Spain v Fiji.