Lionesses, Shujaa squads to LA7s unveiled

The Kenya Rugby Union has unveiled the Lionesses and Shujaa squads that will represent the country at the HSBC SVNS playoffs set for Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 May in Los Angeles, USA.

Fresh from their historic triumph as the 2025 HSBC Challenger Series champions, the Kenya Lionesses have been fine-tuning their preparations at the Sadili Oval over the past week.

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The team, drawn in Pool A alongside Brazil, Spain, and Colombia, will be looking to continue their rich vein of form as they seek core status.

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Coach Denis Mwanja has made two changes to the side that featured in Poland, welcoming Mwamba RFC stars Edith Nariaka, making her season debut, and Faith Livoi, who returns after missing the Poland assignment.

Naomi Amuguni is the only player from the previous squad who misses out on the trip to LA.

“Camp was great, and we got ample time to polish up on our details of the game. The selection was tough as all players brought their A-game throughout camp. We are happy for Edith, who has been impressive in training all season, and look forward to her performance in LA," Mwanja said.

Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Mwanja added, “All pools are tricky, but we will navigate ours cautiously. Everyone is chasing core status, but we trust in our systems and the momentum we have built. We can’t be counted out.”

Meanwhile, Shujaa, who have been in camp at Nakuru Athletic Club, will head into battle with an unchanged squad from their successful Asian tour stops in Hong Kong and Singapore.

They have been placed in Pool A against Samoa, Portugal, and the hosts USA.

Coach Kevin “Bling” Wambua praised the squad's preparation and spirit.

"The camp has been good; the sessions were great as we polished our set piece and attack frameworks and reinforced our defense. The boys are ready,” Wambua said.

On selection, Wambua admitted it was a tough call.

“It was a good headache to have with the quality in the setup. John Okoth and Chrisant Ojwang, who are back from injury, pushed hard for slots, but we chose to stick with the team that did duty in Asia," he offered.

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Looking ahead to the competition, Wambua emphasized the importance of a strong start: “Focus is on our first game, which will give us momentum for the rest. Samoa are a quality side, but we’ve done our homework," he revealed.

Both squads will depart for Los Angeles on the evening of Sunday, 27 April.

Kenya Lionesses on duty at the LA7s:

1. Grace Okulu (Nakuru RFC)- Captain 2. Sheila Chajira(Impala Roans)- Co-Captain 3. Judith Okumu(Impala Roans) 4. Stellah Wafula(Impala Roans) 5. Sinaida Nyachio(Mwamba RFC) 6. Freshia Oduor 7. Sharon Auma(Impala Roans) 8. Moreen Muritu 9. Diana Ochieng(Impala Roans) 10. Christabel Lindo(Impala Roans) 11. Edith Nariaka(Mwamba RFC) 12. Phoebe Otieno(Northern Suburbs) 13. Faith Livoi(Mwamba RFC).

The Kenya Shujaa on duty at the LA7s:

1. Kevin Wekesa(Kabras Sugar RFC), 2.Vincent Onyala(KCB RC), 3. George Ooro(Strathmore Leos), 4. Denis Abukuse(Menengai Oilers), 5. William Mwanji(Kabras Sugar RFC), 6. Brian Tanga(Kabras Sugar RFC), 7. Samuel Asati(KCB RC), 8. Antony Omondi(Mwamba RFC), 9. Nygel Amaitsa(Strathmore Leos), 10. Patrick Odongo(Daystar Falcons), 11. Floyd Wabwire(KCB RC), 12. Festus Shiasi(KCB RC), 13. Jone Tavaga(Kabras Sugar RFC)