The Kenya Rugby National 7s Lionesses and Shujaa squads for the decisive HSBC promotion and relegation playoffs have been unveiled.

The two-day playoffs scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, will see Kenyan sides battling on different fronts, with Shujaa seeking to preserve their sevens status as Lionesses eye promotion to the same series.

Coach Denis Mwanja has made two changes from the Lionesses team that did duty in the final qualifier games in Krakow, Poland.

The Mwamba RFC duo of Faith Livoi and Edna Nariaka are the new faces joining the team in the absence of Naomi Amuguni.

Lionesses, who topped the Challengers series games of 2025, face a tough task in pool A alongside Brazil, Spain, and Colombia.

The Ladies will open their campaign on Saturday, May 3, 2025, against Spain at 10:13 pm. The side will then finish off their games on Sunday, facing Brazil at 1:35 am and Colombia at 8:44 pm.

Meanwhile, Kevin Wambua’s Shujaa charges, who marked an impressive run in the Singapore series, finishing second behind Fiji, will be keen to retain their place with elite rugby teams.

Shujaa failed to amass enough points for a top eight overall finish and thus faces the possibility of relegation.

Coach Kevin Wambua has stuck to the same 13 that did duty in Hong Kong and Singapore in March and earlier in the month. His charges will be out to battle against Samoa, Portugal, and hosts USA in Pool A.

Wambua has exuded optimism about a good showing from the Men’s team.

“The camp has been good, and the sessions were great. We focused on polishing our set piece and attack frameworks and also reinforced our defense. The mood within the camp has been good, and the boys are ready.” he told KRU.

 “Focus is on our first game, which will give us momentum for the rest of the games. We know Samoa are a quality side but we have done our homework on them and know how we will approach that game,” he added.

The two teams will depart on the evening of Sunday, April 27. 

Kenya Lionesses:

Grace Okulu (Nakuru RFC), 2. Sheila Chajira (Impala Roans), 3. Judith Okumu (Impala Roans) 4. Stellah Wafula (Impala Roans) 5. Sinaida Nyachio (Mwamba RFC) 6. Freshia Oduor 7. Sharon Auma (Impala Roans) 8. Moreen Muritu 9. Diana Ochieng (Impala Roans) 10. Christabel Lindo (Impala Roans) 11. Edith Nariaka (Mwamba RFC) 12. Phoebe Otieno (Northern Suburbs) 13. Faith Livoi (Mwamba RFC)

The Kenya Shujaa:

1. Kevin Wekesa(Kabras Sugar RFC), 2.Vincent Onyala (KCB RC), 3. George Ooro (Strathmore Leos), 4. Denis Abukuse (Menengai Oilers), 5. William Mwanji (Kabras Sugar RFC), 6. Brian Tanga(Kabras Sugar RFC), 7. Samuel Asati(KCB RC), 8. Antony Omondi (Mwamba RFC), 9. Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos), 10. Patrick Odongo (Daystar Falcons), 11. Floyd Wabwire(KCB RC), 12. Festus Shiasi(KCB RC), 13. Jone Tavaga (Kabras Sugar RFC)