The party in Hong Kong is about to get very loud, but for Shujaa, the music just started playing on “Expert Mode.”
Fresh off a clinical performance in Sao Paulo, Brazil—where they hammered Canada 40-0 to officially book their spot in the HSBC SVNS World Championship—the Kenya Sevens team has found out exactly what life back in the big leagues looks like. The draw for the Hong Kong SVNS (April 17–19) is out, and Kevin Wambua’s men have been tossed straight into the deep end.
The Pool C Gauntlet
There’s no other way to put it: Pool C is the “Pool of Death.” Shujaa will have to navigate a minefield featuring:
• New Zealand (All Blacks 7s): The current World Champions and five-time tournament winners this season.
• Australia: Winners of the Dubai leg and consistent podium finishers.
• USA Eagles: The team that narrowly beat Shujaa to the overall SVNS 2 series title by just two points.
While Shujaa proved they belong after finishing second overall in the promotion series with 50 points, this is a massive step up. The Hong Kong leg, held at the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park, marks the first of three events (followed by Valladolid and Bordeaux) where the top eight core teams and the four qualifiers fight for the ultimate crown.
Why We Should Be Hyped
Despite the scary draw, Shujaa is entering this tournament with serious momentum. They won four out of five matches in Brazil, showing a level of defensive grit and clinical finishing we haven’t seen in a while.
The goal in Hong Kong is simple but massive: Finish in the top eight. Doing so ensures Shujaa regains their status as a permanent core team for the 2027 HSBC SVNS season. It’s a tall order against the likes of New Zealand and Australia, but if there’s one thing we know about this team, it’s that they thrive when the lights are brightest in Hong Kong.
Catch the Action
Tournament: HSBC SVNS World Championship – Hong Kong
Dates: April 17–19, 2026
Venue: Kai Tak Sports Park
