Kenya Lionesses, Shujaa to grace Dubai 7s Invitation tournament

Kenya 7s teams; Shujaa and Lionesses, will be looking to extend their fine form when they travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates for the Dubai 7s International Invitation tournament that will run alongside the World Rugby 7s Series at the Sevens Stadium from December 1-3.

The Lionesses who have had an impressive year have been placed in Pool B which features Ireland Invitational, USA Falcons, Rhino Stompers, and French Militaire Sevens.

The side claimed the second position in the recently concluded Safari 7s while their sisters the Lionesses Cubs completed the podium.

At the same time, they will bring a wealth of experience from the recently concluded Africa Women's 7s tournament where they settled for a second position following a narrow 12-5 loss to South Africa. They also competed in the WXV3 tournament where they defeated Colombia 21-5 to retain their WXV3 status.

The ladies will miss the services of talented scrum half Judith Okumu, Stellah Wafula, Christabel Lindo, and Grace Okullu who are on duty with the Elephants at the 2023 Rugby 10s Championship scheduled to take place at the Charles Morkel Stadium in Strand, Cape Town on November 18, 22, and 25, 2023.

Safari 7s: Shujaa defend title after outclassing Samurai in thrilling final

They will kick start their title hunt against Ireland Invitational on Friday, December 1 at 5:40 pm.

Following that, the 2023 Safari 7s runners-up will lock horns with Rhino Stompers at 7:20 pm on the same day.

They will end their campaign on Saturday with two matches pitting French Militaire Sevens and the USA Falcons at 3:20 pm and 7:00 pm respectively.

The men's team; Shujaa have been placed in Pool C of the Men's International Invitation Category which sees them lock horns with Speranza 22, R10C Selects, and Wailers. Starting their pool campaign at 2:40 pm EAT on Friday, December 1, against R1OC Selects, they continue with a match against Wailers at 2:20 pm on Saturday, December 2, and finish their pool stage with a clash against Speranza 22 at 5:00 pm on the same day.

The side will be looking to replicate their Safari 7s final where they outclassed Samurai Barracudas 19-0 to defend their title.

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Kenya teams collated fixtures

Friday, December 1, 2023:

Shujaa vs R1OC Selects | 2:40 pm

Lionesses vs Ireland Invitational | 5:40 pm

Lionesses vs Rhino Stompers | 7:20 pm

Saturday, December 2, 2023:

Shujaa vs Wailers | 2:20 pm

Lionesses vs French Militaire Sevens | 3:20 pm

Shujaa vs Speranza 22 | 5:00 pm

Lionesses vs USA Falcons | 7:00 pm