Shujaa and Lionesses qualify for DIV2 Championship in new format
Shujaa, who were placed in pool A against Samoa, Portugal and USA, opened their campaign with mixed results
Kenya Shujaa and Lionesses have respectively qualified to the 2026 HSBC Division 2 Series following a new format deployed by the International Rugby Board (IRB) post Los Angeles 7s event that closed at the weekend.
The qualification marks a significant step forward for the country’s sevens programs as they continue their journey back to the top of international rugby. It was therefore a historic double for the Kenyan rugby fraternity with the promotion after failing to make the top eight cut-off in the Main series.
Shujaa, who were placed in pool A against Samoa, Portugal and USA, opened their campaign with mixed results. Despite managing only one win and suffering two losses in the pool stages, they finished second in their group, earning them a playoff final berth.
In the must-win final, Shujaa rose to the occasion with a commanding 24-5 victory over the Canadians, sealing their place in the 2026 Division 2 with style. The win marks a strong revenge for Shujaa, who were relegated from the top tier following a narrow 12-7 loss to Canada in the 2023 playoffs.
On the women’s side, the Kenya Lionesses followed a similar path. Lionesses also registered one win and two losses in the pool phase, finishing third in their pool. Booking a playoff final date with continental rivals, South Africa—a team they’ve had several hard-fought battles with in recent years. The playoff final was a tense, high-stakes clash. South Africa appeared to be in control for much of the match, holding a 14-10 lead deep into the second half.
However, in the final minute, Freshia Adhiambo broke through South Africa’s defensive line with a solo run, grounding a converted try that swung the game in Lionesses favor, the full-time score 17-14 in favor of the Lionesses—an incredible turnaround that booked their place alongside Shujaa in the 2026 HSBC Division 2.
The SVNS Series will adopt a new three-division format starting next season. In Division 1; it features eight men’s and eight women’s teams competing in six high-profile SVNS Series events. In Division 2: Comprises six teams per gender, battling it out across three events. In Division 3; a standalone Challenger event featuring eight teams per gender, who qualify through regional competitions.
The season will culminate in a SVNS World Championship Series, featuring the top 12 men’s and women’s teams—eight from Division 1 and four from Division 2—competing in three sizzling events to ultimately determine the world champions.
The eight teams competing at the HSBC SVNS World Championship 2025 in Los Angeles (May 3–4) will automatically qualify as Division 1 teams for the 2026 Series.There will be an expanded calendar with 13 tournaments across the 2026 HSBC SVNS season, offering increased opportunity and exposure.
