Kenya’s national rugby sevens side, Shujaa, wrapped up their participation at the Valladolid 7s, the second stop of the three-leg 2026 HSBC SVNS World Championship in Spain, by securing an eighth-place position following a 14-5 loss to France in the seventh-place playoff on Sunday, May 31.
The defeat marked Shujaa’s fourth loss of the tournament. Kevin Wambua’s team began their campaign with a close 15-10 defeat to Australia in extra time before succumbing 14-0 to South Africa in their second Pool A encounter. Shujaa recovered with a 12-7 win over Great Britain to advance to the Cup quarter-finals as one of the best third-placed teams.
However, their aspirations for a better result were crushed by a 21-0 loss to Australia in the quarter-finals, followed by Sunday’s defeat to France that placed them in eighth position.
In the seventh-place playoff, France took the lead early through Enahemo Artaud in the fourth minute, with the try converted to make it 7-0. Artaud crossed again moments later, breaking through the Kenyan defense for his second try of the match, while Paulin Riva’s conversion extended the lead to 14-0.
Shujaa responded just before halftime with John Okoth, who received an offload from Samuel Asati and sprinted down the left wing to score. Despite a French player appearing to stop him, a Television Match Official review validated the try, narrowing the gap to 14-5 after David Nyangige’s conversion attempt failed to find its mark.
Kenya’s comeback prospects were hampered in the second half when substitute Victor “Mola” Odhiambo received a yellow card, reducing Shujaa to six players. France maintained their advantage to secure the victory and seventh place.
Shujaa accumulated six points from the Valladolid leg, complementing the eight points they earned during the opening round in Hong Kong in April. This result leaves Kenya with 14 points and in eighth place in the overall standings ahead of the final World Championship Series leg in Bordeaux, France, scheduled for June 5-7.
France also reached 14 points following their Valladolid campaign, creating a competitive race for positions in the top eight. Only the top eight teams are guaranteed a place in Division One next season, while the bottom four will be relegated to HSBC SVNS 2.