Shujaa and Lionesses face tough SVNS path in Los Angeles after format shake-up

Shujaa players huddle before playing France in their final Pool C match on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong during the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens.(Photo/KenyaSevens)

By Rama & Erick
Saturday, May 3, 2025

Kenya’s national rugby sevens teams, Shujaa and the Lionesses, are in Los Angeles this weekend for a crucial tournament that could shape their international future. While the Lionesses remain in contention for promotion to the HSBC SVNS circuit, Shujaa face an emotional battle following a shock change in the tournament format that dashed their hopes of immediate core status return.

Kenya’s national rugby sevens teams, Shujaa and the Lionesses, are in Los Angeles this weekend for the HSBC SVNS 2024 Playoff tournament, which will determine which teams earn core status for the revamped 2025 season. However, for Shujaa, what was meant to be a shot at redemption has instead turned into a bitter reality check.

The men’s team had expected to compete for promotion back to the elite HSBC SVNS circuit, especially after a strong showing in the Challenger Series and a silver medal finish in Singapore. But a late change to the tournament format by World Rugby has automatically relegated them, dealing a blow to their aspirations.

New format. Same unmissable action 🔥#HSBCSVNS pic.twitter.com/H5mHvqI8aY
— HSBC SVNS (@SVNSSeries) May 1, 2025

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Only the top eight teams after the Singapore leg were retained as core teams for the 2025 SVNS season. Kenya, who finished outside that bracket, now face a far more complicated route back to the top tier, with this weekend's tournament no longer offering a direct path to core status.

“It hurt me, it broke me, and it is very unfortunate. Tough on us, but tougher for the boys,” head coach Louis Kisia said from Los Angeles.

“I got the circular from the head coach on Tuesday but didn’t go through it properly until Wednesday morning. That’s when I saw the boys’ mood had changed - they were really down. It hit me, Andrew (Amonde), and Bling. I went back to the circular, read it properly, and my mood just sank.”

Despite the heartbreak, Kisia remains focused on helping the team regroup and finish the season on a high. “It will take some time for it to sink in, but that is the reality. We’ll go back to the drawing board and prepare for the next season. We don’t know how it will turn out, but we hope for the best,” he added.

Shujaa co-captain Samuel Asati echoed Kisia’s sentiments, acknowledging the disappointment but urging the team and fans to stay hopeful.

“We are disappointed because we wanted to play in the core series. Even with the new format, our goal is still to win all our matches. Hopefully, the boys will rise to the occasion,” said Asati.

He also reflected on the season: “Coming back from the final in Singapore was great, but that is now in the past. Right now, our focus is totally on this tournament. A game at a time.”

Asati also had a message for fans: “Our fans, you are like our eighth players on the pitch, so we do not take your support for granted. Thank you so much.”

Shujaa Fixtures – Pool A

Kenya vs Samoa – Saturday 3 May at 9:28 PM EAT

Kenya vs Portugal – Sunday 4 May at 12:51 AM EAT

Kenya vs USA – Sunday 4 May at 9:28 PM EAT

Meanwhile, the Kenya Lionesses head into the tournament with their sights firmly set on returning to the top tier. Unlike the men, the women’s promotion campaign remains intact.

The Lionesses booked their ticket to Los Angeles after winning the 2025 World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger Series under head coach Dennis Mwanja. They are now aiming to reclaim core status for the first time since their last full season appearance on the main circuit.

Drawn in Pool A, the Lionesses will need to overcome strong opposition to secure one of the four promotion spots on offer. Mwanja is counting on a well-balanced squad featuring seasoned campaigners and standout performers like Edith Nariaka and Faith Livoi.

Kenya Lionesses Fixtures – Pool A

Kenya vs Spain – Saturday 3 May at 10:12 PM EAT

Kenya vs Brazil – Sunday 4 May at 1:35 AM EAT

Kenya vs Colombia – Sunday 4 May at 8:44 PM EAT

With Olympic Rugby Sevens set to be held at the same venue - Dignity Health Sports Park - in 2028, this weekend's matches will not only determine next season’s line-ups but also offer valuable experience on the Olympic stage. While Shujaa wrestle with disappointment and regroup for the future, the Lionesses are focused on capitalising on their hard-earned momentum.