“You’ve Flown the Kenyan Flag High”: Kenya’s Shujaa Power Back into SVNS World Championship
Kenya’s Shujaa and South Africa Women join Great Britain, France, New Zealand, South Africa Men, and more at the SVNS World Championship in Hong Kong on April 17.
SÃO PAULO, Brazil – Kenya men have joined South Africa’s women’s team in qualifying for the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series after the East Africans cruised to four wins out of five in the final leg of the SVNS Division Two tournament in São Paulo, on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29.
Having finished in third place in the first two editions — at home in Kenya in February and in Uruguay last week — Shujaa’s impressive showing in São Paulo saw them finish second overall behind the USA at the conclusion of the three-legged SVNS contest.
The Kenyans were in sizzling form from the outset, outclassing the already-qualified Germany 38–7 in their opening game in Brazil on Saturday.
Shujaa, however, succumbed to a shock 14–12 defeat to Belgium in their second match, but responded in style with a thumping 40–0 win over Canada later the same day.
That victory over Canada secured qualification for Kenya, who had come into the Brazil leg in third place behind the USA and Germany, both already assured of places in the World Championship.
On Sunday evening, Kenya overcame the United States 31–14 before dispatching Uruguay 26–14 to conclude the tournament.
The Kenyans are now back among the world’s elite after being relegated to SVNS 2 at the end of the 2024–2025 season.
Meanwhile, Kenya Women missed out on qualification to the World Championship following a 24–12 defeat to hosts Brazil at the weekend.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, congratulated Shujaa and consoled the Lionesses.
“Congratulations to the Kenya Shujaa for a remarkable performance and a well-earned advancement to the World Championship,” Mvurya wrote on Facebook on Monday morning.
“Securing second place is no mean feat; it is a powerful testament to your determination, resilience, and pursuit of excellence.
“Your performance on the global stage continues to elevate Kenya’s standing in international rugby. You have flown the Kenyan flag high with pride and distinction.
“To the Lionesses, you poured your hearts out and showcased your finesse to the world with courage, skill, and unwavering determination.
“Your performance is a true reflection of resilience and the fighting Kenyan spirit.”
The World Championship Series, a three-leg elite competition, will be held in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux in April, May, and June.
Kenya Men will be eyeing success there, which would see them promoted back to the top-tier SVNS 1 for 2027.
Meanwhile, South Africa Women finished fifth in Brazil, having already secured qualification following their second-place finish in Uruguay last week.
The Springbok Women’s Sevens ended third overall after the three legs of the SVNS 2 in Nairobi, Montevideo, and São Paulo.
“The SVNS 2 was great and so competitive,” South Africa coach Cecil Afrika told the SA Rugby website.
“We saw last night that the very last game of the third tournament determined the fourth qualifier to go to the World Champs, and that shows how close all the teams were. There is another step up now, but as we responded every time, I’m confident we’ll do so come the next three events.”
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES TEAMS
Women: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Fiji, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, USA
Men: Argentina, Australia, Fiji, France, Germany, Great Britain, Kenya, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Uruguay, USA
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Written by Enock Muchinjo
