High Stakes at RFUEA Grounds

The Kenya Lionesses are poised to reclaim continental rugby supremacy as they host the 2025 Rugby Africa Women's 7s tournament this weekend. The two-day event, kicking off on Saturday, November 15, at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, will see twelve of Africa's top teams compete for the championship title and a single qualification spot for the newly introduced World Rugby SVNS Division 3. This marks the second time Kenya has hosted the prestigious tournament, the last being in 2014.

Placed in Pool B, the Lionesses will begin their campaign against Côte d'Ivoire at 12:44 PM EAT on Saturday, followed by a clash with Ghana at 4:06 PM EAT. The team enters the tournament as last year's runners-up, having narrowly lost to perennial rivals and defending champions South Africa in the finals of both the 2023 and 2024 editions. However, a strong 2025 season, which included historic victories in the World Rugby Challenger Series, has bolstered the team's confidence. "We've been losing this tournament, but this time we've beaten South Africa three times this year, and we're ready to make it the fourth," co-captain Sheila Chajira stated on Thursday, November 13.

Experienced Squad, Professional Edge

Head Coach Simon Odongo has named a formidable 13-member squad blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent. The team will be co-captained by the experienced Sheila Chajira and Grace Adhiambo Okulu, with Janet Okello serving as vice-captain. Okulu, who plays professionally for Racing 92 in France's top tier, brings a wealth of international experience and playmaking skill to the side. Her journey from Nakuru to the European professional circuit highlights a growing pathway for Kenyan talent. Okulu, a two-time Olympian, first earned a national team call-up in 2015 and has been a pivotal player since.

The squad also features key players like Christabel Lindo, Naomi Amuguni, Sinaida Mokaya, and Freshia Awino, who have been consistent performers for the Lionesses. Lindo, known for her speed, expressed that the opportunity to run was what initially drew her to the sport. The inclusion of players like Nelly Chikombe, who moves up from the Kenya Cubs development side, signals a commitment to building depth for the future.

The Broader Battle for Women's Rugby

A victory for the Lionesses would be their first African title since 2018 and would represent a significant milestone for women's rugby in Kenya. The tournament's outcome carries weight beyond the pitch, influencing the sport's visibility, funding, and development in the country. Stakeholders have long pointed to funding disparities as a major hurdle for the women's game. "Most sponsors only want to come on board once they see the results. People want to be associated with success," noted one official in a 2022 report.

In a strategic move to address these challenges, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) launched a dedicated Women's Rugby Committee in May 2025. The committee is tasked with improving governance, grassroots development, and strategic partnerships to create a sustainable future for the sport. "This committee reflects our commitment to the growth and sustainability of women's rugby in Kenya," said KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai at the launch. Recent partnerships, such as a collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD) announced on November 7, 2025, aim to provide professional training for female coaches, referees, and administrators, further strengthening the sport's foundation. Success on home soil this weekend could provide powerful momentum for these crucial off-field initiatives, inspiring a new generation of players and attracting the investment needed to elevate Kenyan women's rugby to the global stage.