NAIROBI, Kenya, October 12, 2026 — Kenya’s rugby sevens teams delivered a memorable performance on home soil as Shujaa and the Kenya Lionesses successfully defended their respective titles at the 2026 Safari Sevens, giving the hosts a double triumph at Nyayo National Stadium.
The three-day tournament, held from October 9 to 11, concluded on Sunday with both Kenyan sides lifting the trophies after impressive campaigns that underlined the country’s strength and depth in rugby sevens.
Shujaa defeated Kenya Morans 24–5 in an all-Kenyan men’s final, while the Kenya Lionesses overcame Uganda’s Lady Cranes 22–5 to retain the women’s crown. The results ensured that both defending champions remained at the top of their respective competitions.
Shujaa Dominate All-Kenyan Final
Shujaa capped their campaign with a commanding victory over the Kenya Morans, securing another Safari Sevens title in front of a packed home crowd.
The final was a tightly contested affair in the first half, with both teams displaying disciplined defence and determination to deny each other a breakthrough. The sides went into the break level at 0–0.
However, Shujaa raised their intensity after the restart, taking control of possession and exploiting gaps in the Morans’ defence to establish a decisive lead.
Rayvon Ambale opened the scoring before Victor Mola extended the advantage to 14–0. Substitute Festus Shiasi added another try, followed by John Okoth, as Shujaa stretched their lead to 24–0.
The Morans eventually responded through Dennis Ndayala, who crossed the try line for a consolation score, but Shujaa had already established a commanding advantage to seal a 24–5 victory.
The triumph reinforced Shujaa’s status as Kenya’s leading men’s sevens side and continued their remarkable run of success at the country’s flagship rugby sevens tournament.
The Morans, meanwhile, provided a strong account of themselves by reaching the final, demonstrating the depth of talent available within Kenya’s rugby system. Their run to the title decider also marked their return to the Safari Sevens final for the first time since winning the competition in 2019.
Lionesses Defeat Uganda to Retain Women’s Title
The Kenya Lionesses completed the double for the hosts with a convincing 22–5 victory over Uganda’s Lady Cranes in the decisive match of the women’s competition.
The Lionesses entered the final-round encounter seeking to defend their crown against a Ugandan side that had also enjoyed an impressive tournament.
Kenya delivered when it mattered most, combining attacking efficiency with defensive discipline to keep the Lady Cranes at bay and secure the title.
The victory capped an outstanding campaign for the Lionesses, who finished the competition unbeaten with five wins from five matches, collecting 15 points.
Their triumph also reinforced the growing competitiveness of women’s rugby sevens in East Africa, with Uganda’s Lady Cranes providing a strong challenge throughout the tournament.
For the Lionesses, retaining the trophy was another significant achievement as they continued to build momentum and strengthen their standing in the regional game.
Kenya’s Rugby Depth on Display
The double triumph highlighted Kenya’s competitiveness across both the men’s and women’s competitions, with the country’s senior national teams successfully defending their titles against regional and international opposition.
Shujaa’s victory over the Morans was particularly significant because it placed two Kenyan sides in the men’s final, guaranteeing that the host nation would retain the championship regardless of the outcome.
The Morans’ impressive run also offered an encouraging indication of the talent available to support the national team as Kenya continues to develop players capable of competing at the highest levels of the game.
In the women’s competition, the Lionesses’ unbeaten run demonstrated consistency and composure across the tournament, culminating in a decisive victory over their regional rivals.
Beyond the results, the competition brought together teams from different countries and provided a platform for players to test themselves against varied styles of play.
Nyayo Celebrates a Kenyan Rugby Weekend
The final day brought the tournament to a fitting conclusion, with Kenyan supporters celebrating victories by both national teams at Nyayo National Stadium.
The atmosphere reflected the importance of Safari Sevens as a major fixture on Kenya’s sporting calendar, combining competitive rugby with entertainment and an opportunity for fans to support the national sides.
For Shujaa and the Lionesses, the successful title defences provided a positive conclusion to the tournament and strengthened their connection with supporters on home soil.
As the celebrations continued, the performances of both teams offered a reminder of Kenya’s established place in African rugby sevens and the importance of sustaining investment in talent development, competition and international exposure.
With both trophies staying in Kenya, the 2026 Safari Sevens ended on a high note for the hosts, who will now look to build on the momentum generated by their victories.
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