Kenya Shujaa draw Uganda 7s in 2026 Safari 7s as pools are confirmed

Kenya Rugby Union has confirmed the pools for the anticipated 2026 Safari 7s, set for October 9-11 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.

The tournament has drawn teams across both the men’s and women’s categories, with 12 men’s teams and six women’s teams set to take part in this year’s edition.

The reigning champions, Kenya Shujaa, will headline the tournament after being pooled in Pool A of this 28th edition.

They have been grouped alongside their East African rivals, Uganda 7s, while they will also face SportPesa Fast Forward 7s as well as Scotland.

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For Shujaa, they will be looking to dominate the pool as they aim to go further and claim the title for the fifth consecutive time, having beaten Shogun Rugby 14–7 in the 2025 final at Nyayo Stadium.

Meanwhile, last year’s runners-up, Shogun, will headline Pool B, where they will take on French Renegades, Southern California Nomads and Wellington Jaguars.

Kenya Morans were eliminated in the Cup semifinals last year, and they will lead Pool C as they aim to go beyond that stage this time around.

They will face Zimbabwe, who were also knocked out in the semis last year, with the two sides joined by GEL Squad 7s and Wonder Sevens.

Morans will come boasting plenty of confidence after winning the Africa Men’s 7s title in Mauritius over the weekend, while Zimbabwe will also use the tournament to fine-tune themselves after qualifying for the HSBC SVNS 3.

Meanwhile, in the women’s category, the teams will compete in a round-robin format, with Kenya Lionesses headlining the event.

They will be taking on South Africa TUKS Women, who will be coming fresh off winning the Mauritius 7s over the weekend, and they will also be replacing Costa Blanca Barbarians.

Uganda Ladies and Tunisia will also take part, alongside Junior Lionesses, as the teams battle it out across the three-day tournament. Kenya Cubs will also be taking part.

Pool A

• Kenya Shujaa
• Uganda
• SportPesa Fast Forward 7s
• Scotland

Pool B

• Shogun
• French Renegades
• Southern California Nomads
• Wellington Jaguars

Pool C

• Kenya Morans
• Zimbabwe
• GEL Squad 7s
• Wonder Sevens

• Kenya Lionesses
• Junior Lionesses
• Uganda Ladies
• Tunisia
• TUKS Women
• Kenya Cubs