Shujaa land tricky pool D in season opening Hong Kong Sevens

The men’s national rugby 7s side, Shujaa, have been drawn in a tricky pool D where they are set to face Argentina, Ireland and Canada in the season opening Hong Kong Sevens scheduled to take place from 4-6 November 2022, marking the start of the 2023 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

In the official fixtures released, the Damian McGrath currently coached side will open their campaign on Friday 4 November with a clash against 2022 Rugby World Cup bronze medalists Ireland before they face fifth place World Cup finishers Argentina in the second pool game of the tournament.

Afterwards, the team will square it out against Canada who finished behind them in the 2022 Series standings.

In the new 2023 season, Shujaa will be aiming to get the much elusive consistency that saw them finish the 2022 campaign in a disappointing 12th position, only four places from last on 49 points from nine outings.

Pool A, arguably the Group of Death, has defending Series Champions Australia, who won their first-ever crown in the 2022 campaign, seeded top of the tournament and will face powerhouse New Zealand, Samoa and hosts Hong Kong who are the invited team the season opener.

Pool B has dethroned champions South Africa, who will be beginning life under the stewardship of new head coach Sandile Ngcobo who replaced Neill Powell, taking on France, Great Britain and Uruguay.

Great Britain will be featuring in the Series once again after England, Scotland and Wales agreed to merge in a decision that aligns with their Olympic participation status and the qualification pathway.

Uruguay are the newest core side In the Series after winning the 2022 Challenger Series which led to their promotion.

Kenya Lionesses set for 2022 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup

Pool C will feature Olympic and Rugby World Cup champions Fiji taking on USA, Spain and Japan.

In the 2023 campaign, the top four men’s and women’s teams will secure their ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games courtesy of finishing among the best four nations, World Rugby announced in an earlier communique.

Kipyegon facing tough opposition for World Athlete of the Year title

The men’s Series will include a record-equaling 11 rounds, uniquely featuring two events in Hong Kong, while the women’s Series involves a record seven rounds and will kick off in Dubai on 2-3 December 2022 in the first of four consecutive men’s and women’s combined events.

Groups

Pool A: Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Hong Kong

Pool B: South Africa, France, Great Britain, Uruguay

Pool C: Fiji, USA, Spain, Japan

Pool D: Argentina, Ireland, Kenya, Canada