Summary
- Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) announces Sevens squads for HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024
- Men’s squad led by co-captains Odongo, Onyala, and Omondi
- Freshia Oduor and Edith Nairaka debut for Lionesses in Poland
- Shujaa in Pool C with Chile, Japan, and Portugal
- Lionesses in Pool C with Belgium, Mexico, and Poland
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has confirmed the Sevens squads for both men and women for the upcoming HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024.
The two competitions will be played as standalone tournaments with the men’s taking part in Munich in Germany and Krakow in Poland for the women’s on May 18-19.
Patrick Odongo, Shujaa’s standout player during the Dubai Series, will be part of the squad again after missing the last leg played in Uruguay. Odongo will co-captain the national side alongside Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi for the assignment in Germany.
“Odongo is one of three changes to the side, the other two being Brian Tanga who returns after missing out through illness while Herman Humwa makes the cut for his first appearance of the campaign. Dennis Abukuse, Elvis Olukusi and Ben Salem, part of the team to Uruguay, are not on the plane to Germany,” KRU said.
Kenya Lionesses
For the Lionesses’ side, Freshia Oduor and Edith Nairaka are set for their Challenger debuts in Poland.
“They come in for the Japan-based duo of Grace Okulu and Janet Okello who have not been released for this assignment by their club, MIE Pearls. Sheila Chajira captains the team to Poland,” the rugby federation confirmed.
Shujaa are in Pool C alongside Chile, Japan and Portugal while the Lionesses are in Pool C with Belgium, Mexico and Poland.
Both Shujaa and Lionesses will fight to finish the overall standings in the top four ahead of the promotion playoffs set to be played in Madrid, Spain
The 2024 Challenger Series for men’s rugby sevens teams is the fourth season of the second-tier circuit that allows a promotion pathway to the SVNS.
The men’s challenger tour has twelve national teams competing and will be played as three tournaments in Dubai, Montevideo and Munich. The four top teams will gain entry to the 2024 Madrid Sevens core team qualifier.
There are 12 men’s national teams competing in the Challenger Series for 2024.
| Date qualified | Means of qualification | Nation |
| 18 June 2023 | 2023 Sudamérica Rugby Sevens |  Uruguay |
 Chile | ||
| 9 July 2023 | 2023 Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series |  Georgia |
 Portugal | ||
 Germany | ||
| 20 August 2023 | 2023 RAN Sevens |  Mexico |
| 17 September 2023 | 2023 Africa Men’s Sevens |  Kenya |
 Uganda | ||
| 15 October 2023 | 2023 Asia Rugby Sevens Series |  Hong Kong |
 Japan | ||
| 12 November 2023 | 2023 Oceania Sevens Championship |  Papua New Guinea |
 Tonga | ||
| Totals | 6 | 12 |
Shujaa Squad
Vincent Onyala, Tony Omondi (co-captains), Kevin Wekesa, John Okoth, Brian Tanga, George Ooro, Patrick Odongo, Samuel Asati, Herman Humwa, Nygel Amaitsa, Lamech Ambetsa, Chrisant Ojwang
Lionesses Squad
Sheila Chajira (captain), Judith Okumu, Christabel Lindo, Stella Wafula, Naomi Amuguni, Terry Ayesa, Sharon Auma, Sinaida Nyachio, Phoebe Akinyi, Maureen Muritu, Freshia Oduor (debut), Edith Nariaka (debut).
Match Schedules
HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 | Men | 18-19 May | Munich, Germany
Saturday May 18
Kenya v Japan | 12.22pm
Kenya v Portugal | 3.04pm
Kenya v Chile | 5.46pm
HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 | Women | 18-19 May | Krakow, Poland
Saturday May 18
Kenya v Poland | 1.28pm
Kenya v Belgium | 4.32pm
Kenya v Mexico | 6.52pm
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