Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, has unveiled its squad for the opening leg of the HSBC World Championship set for April 17–19, 2026, in Hong Kong.
Head coach Kevin Wambua has largely retained the squad that impressed in the SVNS 2 series, where Kenya finished runners-up, making just one change. Experienced scrum-half Brian Tanga comes in for Chrisant Ojwang, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Tanga, who made his Shujaa debut at the 2016 Hong Kong Sevens, is expected to inject valuable experience into the side as Kenya pushes for a return to the top tier. Wambua underscored his importance, noting that the scrum-half’s game intelligence and composure in tight matches will be key to the team’s campaign.
Shujaa head into the tournament buoyed by strong backing from betting firm SportPesa, which has committed KSh 40 million toward the team’s SVNS 2 campaign. The sponsor also rewarded the squad with a KSh 3.15 million performance bonus following impressive outings in Nairobi, Montevideo, and São Paulo.
KCB Core Anchors Squad
National Sevens Circuit champions KCB RFC form the backbone of the squad, contributing six players. Co-captains George Ooro and Samuel Asati lead the contingent, alongside Vincent Onyala, Festus Shiasi, Floyd Wabwire, and David Nyangige.
Kabras Sugar RFC add depth with Tanga and Kevin Wekesa, the latter fresh from winning the IOC Climate Action Award 2025. From Menengai Oilers, Denis Abukuse and John Okoth bring physicality, having played a crucial role in Kenya’s defensive display against Canada in São Paulo.
The squad also features kicker Nigel Amaitsa of Strathmore Leos, Gabriel Ayimba, and Daystar Falcons speedster Patrick Odongo.
Focus on Top-Eight Finish
Co-captain Asati emphasized the team’s ambitions ahead of the opener, highlighting the importance of a strong start against Australia as Shujaa target at least a top-eight finish.
Kenya has been drawn in a challenging Pool C alongside Australia, New Zealand, and the USA — the latter having edged out Shujaa to claim the SVNS 2 title.
SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri expressed confidence in the squad, reaffirming the sponsor’s commitment to supporting the team’s journey back to the elite HSBC SVNS 1 circuit.
Tough Pool Awaits in Hong Kong
The tournament, to be held at the newly built Kai Tak Sports Stadium in Hong Kong, presents a stern test for Shujaa. Their clash against the USA is expected to be particularly intense following Kenya’s commanding 31–14 victory over the Americans in São Paulo.
Encounters against sevens powerhouses Australia and New Zealand will demand discipline and precision, as Kenya looks to build on lessons learned across the SVNS 2 series.
Shujaa depart for Hong Kong on April 12, fully aware of the stakes. To secure promotion back to HSBC SVNS 1 for 2027, Kenya must finish among the top eight teams across the World Championship legs in Hong Kong, Valladolid, and Bordeaux.
