Local rugby sides stamped their authority at the 2025 Safari Sevens as Kenya’s national team, Shujaa, headlined an impressive all-Kenyan surge into Sunday’s knockout rounds at Nyayo National Stadium.
Shujaa delivered a flawless performance in the group stage, wrapping up their campaign with a commanding 20–0 victory over the French Renegades. Earlier wins—50–0 against UK Select and 28–19 over Walukuba Rugby—sealed their unbeaten run and top spot in their pool.
Exhibiting both attacking prowess and defensive grit, the hosts now prepare for an all-Kenyan quarter-final showdown against Nyati.
Other local outfits also impressed: the Kenya Morans went three-for-three, beating Reunion 24–0, Apache 28–10, and Zimbabwe 27–7 to book a quarter-final clash with UK Select.
KCB Rugby also maintained a strong showing, downing Nyati 21–7 to earn a matchup against Zimbabwe, while Shogun rounded out the men’s pool stage in style with a 35–14 win over Uganda. They’ll now face the French Renegades in the quarters.
In the women’s competition, the Kenya Lionesses kept their title ambitions alive with a 17–5 win over Uganda in a fierce East African derby.
The up-and-coming Kenya Cubs added to the home success, shutting out Mwamba Select 22–0.
Meanwhile, reigning women’s champions Costa Blanca Barbarians began their title defense with a 17–5 victory over Shogun Ladies, underscoring the depth of international talent at this year’s tournament.
Now in its 27th edition, the 2025 Safari Sevens features 12 men’s and 8 women’s teams drawn from across Africa and Europe, including elite invitational sides such as the French Renegades and Costa Blanca Barbarians.
The group stage has already delivered high-intensity rugby, electric crowds, and a carnival-like atmosphere in Nairobi.
As the knockout stage looms, anticipation builds for a dramatic finale on Sunday, where local and international teams will battle it out for Safari 7s glory.
