The HSBC World Sevens series concluded on Sunday, 06 April 2026, at the Singapore Sevens, with Kenya falling 21-12 to Fiji in the finals.
Despite their fate being sealed last weekend with a
relegation playoff set for May, Shujaa were playing for pride and were
determined to end the season with the HSBC world 7’s title.
However, the experienced former Olympics champions had other
ideas as they ensured Shujaa ended up with the consolation second-place medal.
Shujaa were playing for pride after their fate was already
sealed, having missed out on a top-eight finish and will now proceed to the
relegation/promotion playoffs in Los Angeles (USA) next month.
Kenya impressed with victories over Ireland and France in the group stage before edging another European side, Spain, 12-5 in the semi-finals.
However, the Pacific Oceanians who fell 30-7 to Kenya in the
2016 Singapore Sevens finals proved tough despite having Sevuloni Mocenacagi
yellow-carded early in the game.
Kenya capitalized on the numerical advantage to grab the
opener through Nygel Amaitsa’s converted try for a 7-0 lead.
However, Fiji responded in the second half, with Viwa
Naduvalo grabbing a double try, which was converted for a 14-7 advantage.
Rauto Vakadranu added their third try to extend their lead to 21-7.
Kenyan Fijian borne Jone Kubu, touched down to reduce the deficit to
21-12, but it was just a mere consolation.
This was Kenya’s first cup final since Canada 7s in 2021,
where they succumbed to a 38-5 defeat to South Africa at the Vancouver Sevens.
Kelvin Wambu’s men, who finished with 36 points, 14 behind 8th placed Great
Britain, will now have to fight their way back to the world HSBC’7 series as
they join the bottom four sides of Ireland, Uruguay, and USA in the Challenger Series.
The four will battle
the top four from the HSBC Sevens Challenger Series to determine the 12 sides
that will battle in the 2026 competition.
