Ten players from Kenya’s national seven-a-side team, Shujaa and four players from the women’s side Kenya Lionesses have been called up for the inaugural Ultimate Sevens which kicks off in September, 2026.

The players will join a pool of other top players from different countries for this inaugural tournament to be played by six clubs over four European countries. These clubs which represent key global regions are Albion Athletics, Atlantic Novas, Foudre Bleue, Pacific Current, Clan Taran, and Sol Feroz Sevens Clubs.

Among the Kenya players called up are Vincent Onyala, Chrisant Ojwang, George Ooro, John Okoth, Kevin Wekesa, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo, Samuel Asati, Tony Omondi, and Festus Shiasi in the men’s category. Four Kenya Lionesses called up are Freshia Oduor, Sheila Chajira, Moreen Muritu, and Sinaida Nyachio.

Selector’s Confidence

Their call up demonstrates the confidence of the selectors on the ability of those called up to play at the top level despite the absence of Kenya’s Shujaa in the top tier of World Rugby Sevens Series competition. Most of the players also got the nod for another top competition, Rugby Premier League that entered its second season in India.

Mwamba, the current national champions, will provide only one player Sinaida Nyachio – despite their dominance of the local scene which has seen them collect two titles in a space of two weeks, the Prinsloo and Dala Sevens in Nakuru and Kisumu. 

Notable inclusions in the player list are Faith Nathan, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Luciano Gonzalez, Isabella Nasser, and Abbie Brown. 

Four Venues

The inaugural 2026 championship will host four major events in Laganes Madrid (Spain), Cardiff (Wales), Biarritz (France) and London Brentford.

Already, the organizers named coaches for each team. They are Shannon Fraser (Albion Athletic), Kelly Brazier (Atlantic Novas),  Philip Snyman (Clan Taran), Maria Ribera (Foudre Bleue ), Crystal Kaua (Pacific Current), and Paco Hernandez (Sol Feroz).

European Platform

According to the organizers, the inaugural calendar has been selected to create a distinctive European platform for the sport and live event experience.

Barney Pascall, the managing director of Ultimate Sevens said the inaugural event was special with the four cities giving an incredible balance of rugby heritage and emerging markets. It is global and inclusive.

Venues and dates for the Ultimate Sevens. 

September 5: Estadio Ontime Butarque in Legnes, Madrid, Spain.

September 12: Cardiff Arms Park in Cardiff, Wales.

September 18: Parc des Sports Aguilera, Biarritz, France.

September 24: Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, London, UK.