The Kenya Sevens team faces a daunting challenge in the third round of the HSBC SVNS 2025 season after being drawn in a tough pool for the Perth 7s.
The pools were unveiled on Thursday at HBF Park, setting the stage for an electrifying tournament slated for Friday 24 to Sunday 26 January in Australia.
Shujaa are in Pool C alongside rugby giants Fiji and New Zealand, as well as Uruguay.
Fiji, known for their flair and physicality, currently top the men’s standings after clinching gold in Dubai.
New Zealand, another powerhouse, will also test the resilience of the Kenyan side.
Host nation Australia leads Pool A, accompanied by reigning league champions Argentina, Cape Town winners South Africa, and the USA, in what promises to be a clash of heavyweights.
Meanwhile, Pool B features an all-European battle, with Olympic champions France drawn against Spain, Great Britain, and Ireland.
In the women’s competition, Pool A is headlined by Olympic champions New Zealand, who will face Japan, Ireland, and Brazil.
Pool B brings together Olympic silver and bronze medallists Canada and the USA, alongside Great Britain and Fiji.
Pool C is led by hosts and defending champions Australia, paired with France, China, and Spain.
Shujaa’s Head-to-Head against Pool C opponents
Shujaa have a rich history with their Perth 7s Pool C opponents, starting with hosts Australia.
The two sides met at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Shujaa fell 21-7 in their second game.
However, they redeemed themselves later that year at the Cape Town 7s, staging a thrilling comeback to secure a 19-12 victory despite being reduced to six men.
Fiji, another Pool C powerhouse, presents a formidable challenge for Shujaa.
The two teams last faced off at the 2023 Vancouver 7s, where Fiji claimed a 31-12 victory.
However, Shujaa have shown they can rise to the occasion, famously defeating Fiji 30-7 in the 2016 Singapore 7s to clinch their first and only HSBC 7s title.
Uruguay, Shujaa’s final Pool C opponents, were recently promoted to the HSBC 7s circuit but have shown immense determination since their promotion.
Fighting to avoid relegation, Uruguay will be a hungry and tenacious side, making them a team Kenya cannot afford to underestimate.
Perth 7s Men’s Pools:
Pool A: Australia, Argentina, South Africa, USA
Pool B: France, Spain, Great Britain, Ireland
Pool C: Fiji, New Zealand, Kenya, Uruguay
Women’s Pools:
Pool A: New Zealand, Japan, Ireland, Brazil
Pool B: Canada, USA, Great Britain, Fiji
Pool C: Australia, France, China, Spain
