Shujaa are placed in Pool C together with Spain, Great Britain, and France

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Sasha Mutai has revealed Shujaa's bold target for the upcoming fifth leg of the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series; Hong Kong 7s slated for Friday, 28 to Sunday 30 March in China.

Currently placed ninth on the 12-team log with 15 points after four rounds, Shujaa will be aiming to bounce back from their disappointing Vancouver 7s performance last month, where they finished last with just a single point.

Mutai said that securing a semifinal slot in Hong Kong would be crucial in ensuring a more favorable pool draw for the Singapore 7s, scheduled for Saturday, 4 to Sunday 5 April.

The team will not return to Kenya after Hong Kong but will instead proceed directly to Singapore.

“A semifinal finish in Hong Kong will improve our pooling in Singapore. We’re calling on more corporates to step in. We have a strong relationship with the Ministry of Sports, and sponsor confidence is growing,” Mutai stated.

The KRU boss went on to express optimism over the increasing number of sponsors backing the team, noting efforts to rebuild trust with financiers.

On Thursday, March 20, Shujaa received a Ksh2,625,000 sponsorship boost from Crown Paints to support the remaining legs of the circuit.

“There has been a trust deficit from sponsors, but we are fixing it. The young demographic is engaging, and the sport is becoming more entertaining. We want to bring back the thrill of rugby. It’s a rebuilding phase, challenging, but it’s working,” Mutai disclosed.

Mutai further highlighted the urgent need for financial support, particularly as the Kenya 15s national team, Simbas, prepares for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in July, while the U20 side, Chipu, gears up to defend their Barthes Cup title.

The Kenya Lionesses are also on a historic path, aiming for a spot in the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series.

Having won the opening two legs of the Challenger Series in South Africa, they are now preparing for the third round in Krakow, Poland next month.

“The Simbas are working hard for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers. We need a training camp, and we’re hoping to secure some deals in the coming weeks to support the team. The results will follow,” Mutai added.

For Hong Kong 7s, the Kevin Wambua-coached side has been placed in Pool C together with Spain, Great Britain, and France.

Great Britain and France are familiar opponents, having played against Shujaa in the recently concluded Vancouver 7s.

They went down 33-7 defeat to France before losing 26-10 loss to Great Britain.

Shujaa and Dubai Sevens silver medalists Spain last faced off during the Cape Town 7s where Kenya lost 14-7 to miss out on a semifinal spot.