Kenya Lionesses name final squad for key Challenger Series leg as HSBC dream edges closer

• Kenya Lionesses head coach has made one change, with Phoebe Akinyi returning to replace Faith Livoi.
• The third leg of the HSBC World Rugby Challenger Series will take place on April 11-12 at Henryk Reyman’s Municipal Stadium in Krakow, Poland.
• Kenya is in Pool A with Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand.

Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja has named the final squad for the third leg of the 2025 World Rugby Challenger Series, which will take place at Henryk Reyman’s Municipal Stadium in Krakow, Poland, on April 11-12.

Coach Mwanja has made a single significant change to the squad, with Phoebe Akinyi making her return after a year-long absence due to an injury sustained in Poland last year.

Akinyi replaces Faith Livoi, who is unavailable due to her participation in a European tour.

After an outstanding performance in the first two legs in South Africa, Grace Okulu will lead the team as captain.

Meanwhile, Judith Okumu, Freshia Oduor, and Sharon Ouma have retained their places in the squad after their impressive displays in South Africa last month.

In Krakow, the team has been placed in Pool A alongside Belgium, Colombia, and Thailand.

Their third-round campaign begins on April 11, when they face Belgium at 11:50 AM EAT, followed by Thailand at 3:20 PM EAT. They will conclude their group-stage matches against Colombia at 6:28 PM EAT.

The Kenya Lionesses are determined to replicate their strong performances from the first two legs of the series held in South Africa, as they aim to secure a spot in the HSBC SVNS Play-off in Los Angeles, scheduled for May 3–4.

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The play-off will feature the bottom four teams from the top flight, and the Lionesses will also be vying for qualification in the 2026 HSBC SVNS series.

Currently, the Lionesses lead the standings with 40 points, ahead of South Africa, who have 34 points. Argentina and Colombia hold the third and fourth spots, respectively, with 30 points, while Thailand sits fifth with 22 points.

Kenya Lionesses Squad for Krakow

1. Grace Okulu– Captain
2. Naomi Amuguni
3. Judith Okumu
4. Sharon Auma
5. Sheila Chajira
6. Diana Awino
7. Moreen Muritu
8. Christabel Lindo
9. Freshia Oduor
10. Stella Wafula
11. Phoebe Akinyi
12. Sinaida Mokaya

Kenya Lionesses Pool A Fixtures and Kickoff Times in Poland

• April 11, 2025
  • Kenya vs Belgium – 11:50 AM EAT
  • Kenya vs Thailand – 3:20 PM EAT
  • Kenya vs Colombia – 6:28 PM EAT

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Kenya Lionesses’ performances in the World Rugby HSBC SVNS Challenger 2025

First Round

• Pool Match: Kenya 20 – Samoa 05
• Pool Match: Kenya 29 – Poland 07
• Cup Semifinal: Kenya 19 – South Africa 15
• Cup Final: Kenya 17 – Argentina 12

Second Round

• Pool Match: Kenya 17 – Belgium 05
• Pool Match: Kenya 10 – Uganda 05
• Cup Semifinal: Kenya 12 – Colombia 05
• Cup Final: Kenya 17 – South Africa 0