Shujaa brace for HSBC SVNS2 season with high-intensity performance in South Africa

By , January 9, 2026

Kenya Sevens rugby team, Shujaa, are set to depart for South Africa on Monday, January 12, 2026, where the team will undertake an intensive high-performance training camp as part of their preparations for the upcoming HSBC SVNS2 season. The team is scheduled to return home on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

The high-performance camp forms a critical phase in Shujaa’s build-up to the HSBC SVNS2, with a particular focus on the first leg of the series, which will be hosted on home soil in Nairobi, Kenya, from Saturday, February 14, to Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Training in South Africa will provide the squad with access to elite facilities, high-level competition environments, and structured performance sessions.

Shujaa players during their opening against Ireland match at the Singapore Sevens in the sixth leg of the HSBC Sevens Series on April 5, 2025. PHOTO/@KenyaSevens/X

Speaking on Friday, January 9, 2026, ahead of the team’s departure, KRU Director of Rugby, Paul Odera, reiterated that the camp is part of a broader high-performance pathway aimed at ensuring Shujaa are competitively ready for the demanding Division 2 series. Hosting the opening leg in Nairobi adds further motivation, with the team keen to make a strong statement in front of the home crowd.

The return from South Africa will be followed by a final phase of local preparations as Shujaa fine-tune combinations and finalise selections ahead of the Nairobi tournament. With the countdown to February underway, the South Africa camp represents a significant milestone in Kenya Shujaa’s journey towards a successful HSBC SVNS2 campaign.

HSBC SVNS2 pools

Meanwhile, in the in the HSBC SVNS2 women’s pools, Kenya has been drawn into the pool alongside China, Spain and Brazil. The matchup promises exciting contests as the four sides battle not only for match victories but also for a crucial pathway forward, with the additional top two teams across SVNS 3 earning qualification.

Men’s pool

According to the pools confirmed on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the men’s competition will see Kenya face strong opposition from the United States, Germany and Uruguay.

The fixtures of the build-up matches will be shared once confirmed.

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