The Challenger Series progresses to the semi-final stage on Saturday, January 14, at the Seventh Stadium in Dubai with four sides keen to win the tournament.
In the men’s competition, Kenya 7s are set to clash with Uruguay at 12:37 East African time. The anticipated match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both Shujaa and Uruguay having faced relegation from the top tier last season.
Challenger Series path
Shujaa showcased their quality once again by overcoming a valiant Japan with a narrow 21-19 victory, securing their spot in the semi-finals. On the other side, Uruguay triumphed over the 2023 Challenger champions, Tonga, with a 21-14 scoreline.
In the third quarter-final, Germany displayed impressive form, defeating Hong Kong China 19-7. As the only unbeaten team in the men’s tournament following pool phase victories over Kenya, Uganda, and Mexico, Germany are now set to face Chile in the semi-finals.
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The South Americans earned their spot by defeating a six-man Georgia team 26-7 in the last quarter-final, concluding an exhilarating day of rugby sevens in the Dubai desert.
Turning to the women’s competition, Argentina remains the sole unbeaten team, securing victories in the pool stage against Poland, Hong Kong China, and Paraguay. They continued their impressive run with a hard-fought 22-12 win over a resilient Thailand team.
In the second women’s semi-final, China demonstrated their strength by convincingly defeating Poland with a 31-10 scoreline.
Despite Belgium’s perfect record of three wins in the pool stage, they faced a setback in an enthralling quarter-final, losing 17-12 to Uganda. Additionally, the large Kenyan contingent in the crowd celebrated as Kenya secured a 22-12 victory over Czechia, earning their place in the semi-finals.
The upcoming women’s semi-finals will feature China against Uganda, and Argentina against Kenya.
Challenger Series fixtures
11th Place Play-Off | Men 2024
Pararuaguy vs. Mexico 7s -10:15
-Papua New Guinea 7s vs. Mexico 7s -10:37
9th Place Play-Off | Women 2024
Papua New Guinea 7s vs. Hong Kong China 7s
Portugal 7s vs. Uganda 7s
Semi-final | Women 2024
China 7s vs. Uganda 7s -11:54
Argentina 7s vs. Kenya 7s -12:15
Semi-final 1 | Men 2024
Kenya 7s vs. Uruguay 7s- 12:37
Germany 7s vs. Chile 7s- 12:59
7th Place Play-Off | Women 2024
Thailand 7s vs. Czechia 7s : 13:31
Hong Kong China 7s vs. Georgia 7s – 13:53
5th Place Play-Off | Women 2024
Poland 7s vs. Belgium 7s : 14:15
Japan 7s vs. Tonga 7s- 14:37
3rd Place Play-Off | Women 2024
Loser SF1 vs. Loser SF 2: 15:09 (My Time)
3rd Place Play-Off | Men 2024
Loser SF1 vs. Loser SF2 : 15:31
Cup Final | Women 2024
Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF 2 :15:59 (My Time)
Cup Final | Men 2024
Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2- 16:33 (My Time)
