- HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi Leg Player of the Tournament George Ooro is confident that Kenya 7s will bounce back in the remaining two legs of the 2026 campaign.
- Shujaa finished third at home over the weekend with 16 points, behind Germany in first place with 20 points, while the USA were second with 18 points.
- Kevin Wambua’s charges will now look to build on the 16 points gathered at home as preparations intensify for the second leg in Montevideo from March 21–22.
Shujaa captain George Ooro remains confident that the Kenya 7s side will bounce back in the remaining two fixtures of the 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 in Montevideo and Sao Paulo, after finishing third in the opening leg hosted in Nairobi over the weekend.
At Nyayo National Stadium, Shujaa were among the six teams competing in the global showpiece, using the platform to chase promotion back to the revamped HSBC SVNS and reclaim top-flight status next season.
They enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning four matches, only to stumble in the final on Sunday where they fell 21-5 to the USA Eagles.
As a result, they settled for a bronze medal on home soil and head to Uruguay for the second leg with 16 points.
USA sit second with 18 points, while Germany were crowned champions with a total of 20 points from the opening round.
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Speaking after Sunday’s final, Ooro, who co-captained the side alongside KCB teammate Samwel Asati, insisted that luck was not on their side, but believes there’s still plenty to build on in the upcoming legs.
“It’s been tough luck, but I believe we will bounce back stronger. We still have two more outings ahead, and I’m incredibly proud of my teammates, the entire Shujaa setup, and the management. Unfortunately, there has to be a winner and a loser. Cheers to the USA team congratulations to them. See you in the next round.”
HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi Leg Player of the Tournament George Ooro reflects on Shujaa’s performance
Ooro was named Player of the Tournament, capping off a stellar weekend where he led by example.
Although the title slipped away, he delivered an unforgettable home campaign with four wins, particularly shining on day two with two tries: the first in their 17-7 victory over Uruguay and a consolation try in the loss to the USA.
He acknowledged that while the loss disappointed the fans who packed the stadium, it came down to misfortune.
He is hopeful the team will regroup, reflect on their errors, and sharpen both their weaknesses and strengths moving forward.
“Seeing the stadium packed means the world to us. Representing the nation in front of our people, with fans showing up and cheering loudly, I know the loss stung, but it was just a tough break. We will take it on the chin, go back to the drawing board, work on our flaws, and reinforce what we do best.”
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The dynamic forward believes hosting the tournament has placed Kenya on the global rugby map and proven the country’s ability to stage world-class events.
“This was our first time hosting a rugby tournament of this magnitude, and it’s shown the world that our country can not only hold such events but also rally behind the sport.”
Head coach Kevin Wambua and his charges will now look to build on the 16 points gathered at home as preparations intensify for the second leg in Montevideo from March 21–22.
They will wrap up the third and final leg in São Paulo, Brazil, from March 28–29, just a week after Uruguay.
Once all three legs are concluded, the top four teams will advance to join the top eight from the World Championship Series in a separate three-leg event.
With the top eight out of the twelve teams will secure their spot in the SVNS Division 1 for 2027.