World Rugby Educator Paul Odera has urged the Kenya Lionesses to rise to the occasion and deliver a strong performance as they target the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Championship title and qualification for the HSBC SVNS 3. Odera, who also serves as the Kenya Rugby Union’s Director of Rugby and Pathways Manager, acknowledged the pressure facing the national women’s team, noting that their performance in the continental competition will be crucial to their international promotion ambitions.
The 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens tournament was officially launched on Thursday at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi ahead of the two-day competition scheduled for November 7 and 8. Speaking during the launch, Odera explained that the Lionesses face a demanding task, with winning the championship being the clearest route to securing promotion. He added that reaching the final could also be sufficient if defending champions South Africa make it to the title decider. South Africa are already competing in the HSBC SVNS 2 competition, making the qualification calculations particularly important for Kenya.
It’s a tricky one for the Lionesses this year because so many things are pegged on them winning. They have to win this tournament. South Africa are here, but they are already in SVNS 2, so it’s either they win or get into the final if South Africa gets into the final, which is an assumption,
Paul OderoDespite the high expectations, Odera expressed confidence in the team’s preparations and ability to compete against the continent’s best sides. He called on the players to maintain their intensity, remain focused and give their best throughout the championship.
Lionesses Draw Confidence from Safari Sevens Victory
Kenya will head into the continental competition encouraged by their recent success at the Safari Sevens, where they emerged victorious. The home team will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Rugby Africa championship as they seek to reclaim the continental crown and secure a return to the international HSBC SVNS pathway. With the tournament being played on home soil, the Lionesses will also be counting on local fans to provide the support needed to overcome their opponents.
Kenya Names 12-Player Squad for Continental Championship
Head coach Simon has named a 12-player squad to represent Kenya at the two-day competition, with Sheila Chajira and Stella Wafula appointed as co-captains. The squad features the return of Judith Auma, who is back in the sevens setup following an injury lay-off. Eighteen-year-old Catherine Elizabeth is the only newcomer in the team and will be making her debut at the continental championship.
Elizabeth previously competed as a high-school sprinter and served as a football goalkeeper at Kinale Girls High School. She has since progressed through the Rising Lionesses and Junior Lionesses development programmes, having also featured at the 2024 Safari Sevens. Her inclusion highlights the continued development of young talent through Kenya’s women’s rugby pathways.
Kenya Drawn in Pool B Alongside Tunisia, Ghana and Egypt
The 11-team championship will feature some of Africa’s leading women’s rugby sevens teams, with Kenya placed in Pool B alongside Tunisia, Ghana and Egypt. Defending champions South Africa headline Pool A, where they will face Zambia, Zimbabwe and Rwanda. Pool C consists of Uganda, Madagascar, Mauritius and Burkina Faso. South Africa and Burkina Faso have already arrived in Kenya ahead of the tournament, setting the stage for a competitive continental showdown.
Lionesses Target African Crown and International Promotion
The upcoming championship presents a significant opportunity for Kenya to re-establish its position among Africa’s leading women’s sevens teams while pursuing qualification for the HSBC SVNS 3. With a home crowd behind them, recent tournament success and a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, the Lionesses will be determined to turn the expectations into a championship-winning performance. All eyes will be on the Kenyan side when the competition kicks off on November 7 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
