NAIROBI, May 6, 2025 — Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Alexander “Azza” Mutai has vowed to prioritize the 15-a-side game, following World Rugby’s announcement that it is restructuring the World Sevens Series to include only eight core teams per gender from the 2025/26 season.
The move delivers a blow to Kenya’s Sevens teams — Shujaa and Kenya Lionesses — who are currently in Los Angeles for the final leg of the 2024/25 series. Regardless of their performance this weekend, both teams have been ruled out of core-team contention for the upcoming season.
Why Shujaa Missed Out
The exclusion of Shujaa from the next Sevens World Series wasn’t a result of poor performance, but rather a structural change instituted by World Rugby.
In a major overhaul, the governing body reduced the number of core teams from 12 to just 8, starting with the 2025/26 season. This move was part of a new competition model aimed at increasing competitiveness and commercial appeal—but it came at a heavy cost to emerging rugby nations.
The eight selected men’s teams are:
- Argentina
- Fiji
- South Africa
- New Zealand
- Australia
- France
- Spain
- Great Britain
Despite Shujaa’s competitive presence and rich rugby heritage, Kenya was not included, and the current rankings or Los Angeles results had no bearing on the final decision. This abrupt cutoff has sparked backlash from several unions that now find themselves relegated to a second-tier competition that will only include three tournaments per season.
Teams finishing 13th to 16th will start from regional qualifiers, making their path back to the top level even more difficult.
World Rugby’s Justification and Kenya’s Response
World Rugby stated the model was designed to “increase intensity, quality and visibility,” but critics argue that it disenfranchises developing rugby nations and prioritizes commercial metrics over sporting growth.
KRU Chairman Mutai expressed disappointment over the decision and said the union would now realign its priorities:
“It’s unfortunate, but we have to be strategic. Rugby is all about the 15’s game. That’s where the big resources are,” he said. “We will be announcing a sponsorship package for the Simbas in the next two weeks, as we push for qualification through the Africa route.”
Focus Turns to the Simbas and World Cup Ambitions
Mutai confirmed that the Kenya Simbas, the national 15s team, will head to Cape Town, South Africa, for a six-week high-performance training camp beginning next month. This will prepare the team for their crucial Rugby World Cup qualifying match against Uganda in Kampala.
Should the Simbas overcome Uganda, they would progress to a semifinal clash against either Zimbabwe or Morocco. On the other side of the draw, Namibia will face Senegal, while Algeria go up against Côte d’Ivoire.
“We want to give the team the best possible preparations,” Mutai emphasized. “We’ve come close to qualifying in recent years. With the talent we have, this is a golden opportunity to make history.”
With Shujaa and the Lionesses now heading for the second division of international Sevens, Kenya’s rugby leadership sees the 15s game as the next frontier — not only for national pride, but also for regaining the country’s footing on the global rugby stage.
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