- The Kenya Lionesses have been drawn into a challenging Group A alongside formidable opponents: Brazil, Spain, and Colombia.
- The HSBC SVNS Playoffs in Los Angeles are scheduled for May 3rd and 4th.
- In his squad selection, Coach Mwanja made two strategic adjustments to the lineup that competed in Poland.
Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja remains optimistic that his team will defy the odds and make history by securing qualification for the 2026 HSBC SVNS Series.
The Lionesses, fresh off their triumph in the 2025 HSBC Challenger Series, have been in training camp at Sadili Oval over the past week, preparing intensively for the high-stakes HSBC SVNS playoffs scheduled for May 3rd and 4th in Los Angeles.
They have been drawn into a challenging Group A alongside formidable opponents—Brazil, Spain, and Colombia.
Their campaign kicks off with a clash against Spain on May 3 at 10:12 PM, followed by a face-off with Brazil at 1:35 AM the following day, and concludes their group stage with a showdown against Colombia at 8:44 PM.
In his squad selection, Mwanja made two strategic adjustments from the lineup that competed in Poland.
He included two Mwamba RFC talents: Edith Nariaka, who is set to make her season debut and Faith Livoi, returning after missing out on the Polish tour. Naomi Amuguni, however, has not been included in the traveling 13.
Speaking to the Kenya Rugby Union media team, Mwanja acknowledged the selection process was intensely competitive, crediting the squad’s impressive efforts during camp.
“Camp was great and we got ample time to polish up on our details of the game. The selection of the final traveling 13 players was tough and tricky as all players brought their A-game throughout the camp.
We are happy for Edith who has been impressive in training all season, we look forward to her performance in LA,” said Mwanja.
He also noted that Group A poses a serious challenge, but he is confident the team will rise to the occasion.
All pools are tricky but we will navigate ours cautiously, the teams can be plucky as everyone is chasing core status but we find comfort in our systems that have worked, the momentum we have, that has built the hunger to win. We can’t be counted out of the party.” concluded Mwanja.
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Co-captains Grace Okulu (Nakuru RFC) and Sheila Chajira (Impala Roans) will continue to lead the squad, while Sinaida Nyachio (Mwamba RFC), Freshia Oduor, and Sharon Auma (Impala Roans) have all earned spots in the final selection.
Kenya Lionesses final squad for LA7s
- Grace Okulu (Nakuru RFC) – Captain
- Sheila Chajira (Impala Roans) – Co-Captain
- Judith Okumu (Impala Roans)
- Stellah Wafula (Impala Roans)
- Sinaida Nyachio (Mwamba RFC)
- Freshia Oduor
- Sharon Auma (Impala Roans)
- Moreen Muritu
- Diana Ochieng (Impala Roans)
- Christabel Lindo (Impala Roans)
- Edith Nariaka (Mwamba RFC)
- Phoebe Otieno (Northern Suburbs)
- Faith Livoi (Mwamba RFC)
World 7s Series Promotion/Relegation Playoffs
Men’s Category
Pool A: Kenya 7s, USA, Portugal, Samoa
Pool B: Uruguay, Ireland, Canada, Germany
Women’s Category
Pool A: Kenya, Spain, Brazil, Colombia
Pool B: South Africa, Ireland, China, Argentina
LA Championships tournament Pools
Men
Pool A: Argentina, South Africa, France, Great Britain
Pool B: Fiji, Spain, Australia, New Zealand
Women
Pool A: New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Great Britain
Pool B: Australia, France, USA, Fiji