- Shujaa kicked off the Hong Kong 7s on a low note as they fell 14–5 to Australia in their opener in this World Championship leg.
- The three-day tournament is being held at Kai Tak Sports Park from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, April 19.
- They will now prepare for their second match of the day, where they will face New Zealand from 3:47 pm EAT.
The men’s national sevens side, Shujaa, kicked off their Hong Kong 7s campaign in a less-than-ideal fashion after they narrowly fell 14-5 to Australia on Friday afternoon at Kai Tak Sports Park.
Kenya started the match on a high note and managed to grab the first try within the opening two minutes.
However, after Nygel Amaitsa managed to kick forward, Patrick Odongo got hold of the ball for what looked like a try, only for it to be ruled out after he knocked on during the buildup, denying Shujaa an early foothold in this contest.
ALSO READ: Shujaa narrowly fall to Great Britain at Hong Kong 7s
Just a minute later, Kevin Wambua’s charging defense had a lapse on the right wing, where Ben Dowling managed to burst through after Odongo was outpaced.
Dowling offloaded to Josh Turner, who gave Australia a 7-0 lead following Dietrich Roache’s conversion.
Right before halftime, Australia crafted another opportunity, and the wings were left exposed for them to capitalize.
This time they sliced through on the left, where James Turner received a well-timed pass and surged over to extend their advantage to 14-0 after Roache added the extras.
In the second half, Shujaa came out firing, and just after the restart they crafted a try of their own through Dennis Abukuse, who picked the ball and darted through on the left, bringing Kenya to within five points, though the conversion was missed.
Kenya stayed resolute throughout the entire second half, but Australia managed to pin them inside their own 22 as the match ended 14-5.
Shujaa now need to lift themselves in their remaining two games in this tricky Pool C.
They will next prepare for their second match of the day, where they willl face another powerhouse – the All Blacks of New Zealand, from 3:47pm EAT.
New Zealand, for their part, had a perfect start, having beaten the USA Eagles 19-12 in their opening match of this Pool C.
Kenya 7s Hong Kong 7s Results, Schedule & Fixtures
Friday, April 17
- Shujaa Australia
- Shujaa vs New Zealand – 3:47pm EAT
Saturday, April 18
- Shujaa vs USA Eagles – 8:24am EAT
- Quarterfinal – 12:13pm – 3:28pm EAT
Sunday, April 19
- Semis / Playoffs – 5:46pm – 1:03pm EAT
- Final – 2:14pm EAT
Shujaa Squad for Hong Kong 7s
- Floyd Wabwire
- George Ooro
- Kevin Wekesa
- Vincent Onyala
- Denis Abukuse
- Gabriel Ayimba
- John Okoth
- Samuel Asati
- Nygel Amaitsa
- David Nyangige
- Brian Tanga
- Festus Shiasi
- Patrick Odongo
Kenya 7s Hong Kong 7s 2026 Pools
Men’s Category
- Pool A: South Africa, Argentina, Spain, Uruguay
- Pool B: Fiji, France, Great Britain, Germany
- Pool C: Australia, New Zealand, USA Eagles, Kenya
Women’s Category
- Pool A: New Zealand, Fiji, Japan, Brazil
- Pool B: Australia, Canada, Great Britain, South Africa
- Pool C: USA, France, Argentina, Spain