Kenya’s national sevens side, Shujaa, head into the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS World Championship Series in Hong Kong with a challenging Pool C assignment and a history that offers both caution and optimism.The tournament, set for Friday, 17 to Sunday, 19 April at the Kai Tak Sports Park, will see Kenya come up against Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsShujaa have faced these sides frequently on the global circuit with varying outcomes.Shujaa’s recent record against Australia paints a difficult picture, with the Kenyans failing to register a win in their last five meetings.##NAJAVA_MECA_9684877##Australia edged Kenya 21-7 in July 2024 during the Paris Olympics before securing tighter victories of 19-12 in December and 12-7 in February 2023. A more dominant 31-14 win in November 2024 further underlined the Australians’ upper hand, although an earlier 19-19 draw in December 2022 showed that Kenya can still match them on their day.Recent Head-to-Head (Australia vs Kenya):July 24, 2024: Australia 21-7 KenyaDecember 7, 2024: Australia 19-12 KenyaNovember 30, 2024: Australia 31-14 KenyaFebruary 25, 2023: Australia 12-7 KenyaDecember 1, 2022: Australia 19-19 KenyaNew Zealand dominance continuesAgainst New Zealand, Shujaa have struggled to break through, with the All Blacks Sevens maintaining a stronghold in recent clashes.Kabras RFC chairman on plan to prolong club's success in future yearsIn January 2025, Kenya fell 19-12 and 29-14 in back-to-back meetings, continuing a trend that stretches back to 2023, where Shujaa suffered heavy defeats, including 30-5, 29-5, and 33-5 losses.Kenya Sevens vs New Zealand past results26 January 2025 Shujaa 12-19 New Zealand24 January 2025 Shujaa 14-29 New Zealand12 May 2023 Shujaa 5-30 New Zealand31 March 223 Shujaa 5-29 New Zealand28 January 2023 Shujaa 5-33 New ZealandHowever, Kenya’s encounters with the USA provide a more balanced narrative and a source of confidence heading into Hong Kong.Kenya Simbas coach lands new role in NamibiaShujaa secured an emphatic 32-14 win over the Americans in March 2026 in Brazil, having also beaten them 17-10 in March 2025 in Montevideo and 19-0 in May 2023.While the USA have also claimed wins, including a narrow 14-10 result during the Nairobi leg of the HSBC SVNS 2, the head-to-head suggests Kenya can compete strongly in this fixture.Kenya Sevens vs USA29 March 2026: Shujaa 32-14 USA21 March 2026: Shujaa 10-14 USA15 February 2026: Shujaa 5-21 USA4 May 2025: Shujaa 12-17 USA29 March 2025: Shujaa 17-10 USA25 January 2025: Shujaa 21-26 USA14 May 2023: Shujaa 19-0 USA8 April 2023: Shujaa 19-21 USAMeanwhile, Pool A features South Africa, Argentina, Spain, and Uruguay. At the same time, Pool B will see Fiji, France, Great Britain, and Germany battle it out, setting the stage for an exciting start to the championship.The Hong Kong leg marks the first of three crucial tournaments in the series, with subsequent stops scheduled in Valladolid, Spain, and Bordeaux, France.At stake is more than just pride. The top eight teams at the end of the circuit will earn promotion to the 2026/27 HSBC SVNS Division One, while the bottom four will be relegated to Division II.One change as Wambua names Shujaa squad for Hong Kong 7sKenya arrive in Hong Kong buoyed by strong recent performances. Shujaa sealed their place in the World Championship Series during the São Paulo leg of the HSBC SVNS 2.Before Brazil, the team had already demonstrated consistency with third-place finishes in both Nairobi and Montevideo.
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