Shujaa land in tough pool for final HSBC World Championship leg
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 01.06.26. | 12:29
Kevin Wambua's charges head to France looking to build on recent progress after reaching the quarterfinals in back-to-back tournaments.
Fresh from an eighth-place finish at the penultimate round of the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Valladolid, Spain, Kenya Sevens have been handed a daunting assignment for the season-ending tournament slated for Friday, 5 to Sunday, 7 May in Bordeaux, France.
Shujaa have been drawn in Pool A alongside series champions South Africa, Olympic silver medallists Fiji and Great Britain for the final leg of the 2026 HSBC SVNS World Championship.
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The draw presents one of the toughest routes to the knockout stages, with all four teams boasting vast experience on the global sevens circuit.
For Kevin Wambua’s charges, the pool offers both a challenge and an opportunity to settle scores with familiar opponents.
Kenya have already faced South Africa twice this season, suffering a narrow 26-22 defeat in Hong Kong before falling 14-0 to the Blitzboks in Valladolid.
There is, however, reason for optimism.
Kenya defeated Great Britain 12-7 in Valladolid to secure a place in the quarterfinals, a result that underlined the team’s growing confidence and ability to compete against the world’s top sides.
Fiji, meanwhile, are expected to provide another stern examination.
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The Pacific Islanders remain one of the most feared teams in world rugby sevens and will be among the favourites to challenge for the title.
Shujaa head to Bordeaux looking to build on recent progress after reaching the quarterfinals in back-to-back tournaments.
Although they eventually settled for eighth place in Valladolid following defeats to Australia and France, their performances showed encouraging signs ahead of the season finale.
Elsewhere, Pool B comprises Australia, Spain, the United States and Uruguay, while Pool C pits Argentina against New Zealand, hosts France and Germany.
The women’s competition has also produced intriguing matchups.
Defending champions New Zealand headline Pool A alongside France, South Africa and Argentina.
Australia, Japan, Fiji and Brazil make up Pool B, while Pool C features the United States, Canada, Spain and Great Britain.
The Bordeaux Sevens will mark the culmination of the 2026 HSBC SVNS World Championship season, with both the men’s and women’s world champions set to be crowned at Stade Atlantique.
Beyond the battle for silverware, teams will also be chasing a place among the top eight sides in the final standings, which will secure qualification for the 2027 HSBC SVNS Series.