Both teams are set to depart for Los Angeles on Sunday evening
The Kenya Rugby Union has unveiled the Lionesses and Shujaa squads set to compete in the HSBC SVNS playoffs in Los Angeles on May 3–4.
Fresh off their 2025 HSBC Challenger Series triumph, the Lionesses have been sharpening their skills at Sadili Oval. They will line up in Pool A against Brazil, Spain and Colombia.
Coach Dennis Mwanja made two changes to the team that featured in Poland, bringing in Mwamba duo Edith Nariaka — making her season debut — and Faith Livoi, who returns after missing the previous tour. Naomi Amuguni misses out on the trip.
“Camp was great; we had time to polish our game details,” said Mwanja. “Selecting the final 13 was tough but everyone gave their best. We’re excited for Edith, who has been outstanding in training. We trust in our systems and momentum. We’re hungry, and we’re ready.”
Meanwhile, Kevin Wambua has named an unchanged Shujaa squad, sticking with the side that featured in Hong Kong and Singapore. Shujaa have been in camp at Nakuru Athletic Club preparing for battles against Samoa, Portugal and hosts USA, also in Pool A.
“The camp was good, we focused on fine tuning our set piece, attack and defense,” Wambua said. “It was tough to settle on the final team, with John Okoth and Chrisant Ojwang pushing hard after recovering from injuries, but we chose to maintain consistency.”
Looking ahead to the playoffs, Wambua added, “Our focus is on the first game to build momentum. Samoa are a quality side, but we’ve done our homework.”
Both teams are set to depart for Los Angeles on Sunday evening
Kenya Lionesses squad for the LA7s:
1. Grace Okulu (Nakuru RFC)- Captain 2. Sheila Chajira(Impala Roans)- Co-Captain 3. Judith Okumu(Impala Roans) 4. Stellah Wafula(Impala Roans) 5. Sinaida Nyachio(Mwamba RFC) 6. Freshia Oduor 7. Sharon Auma(Impala Roans) 8. Moreen Muritu 9. Diana Ochieng(Impala Roans) 10. Christabel Lindo(Impala Roans) 11. Edith Nariaka(Mwamba RFC) 12. Phoebe Otieno(Northern Suburbs) 13. Faith Livoi(Mwamba RFC).
The Kenya Shujaa squad for the LA7s:
1. Kevin Wekesa(Kabras Sugar RFC), 2.Vincent Onyala(KCB RC), 3. George Ooro(Strathmore Leos), 4. Denis Abukuse(Menengai Oilers), 5. William Mwanji(Kabras Sugar RFC), 6. Brian Tanga(Kabras Sugar RFC), 7. Samuel Asati(KCB RC), 8. Antony Omondi(Mwamba RFC), 9. Nygel Amaitsa(Strathmore Leos), 10. Patrick Odongo(Daystar Falcons), 11. Floyd Wabwire(KCB RC), 12. Festus Shiasi(KCB RC), 13. Jone Tavaga(Kabras Sugar RFC)