Kenya 7s have secured a two-year sponsorship deal worth Kshs 84.15 million, following a restructuring of the partnership with gaming firm Sportpesa.
The Morans squad are set to benefit from this sponsorship with the money set to carter salaries, travel costs of several members of the technical bench, nutrition and many more.
At the sponsorship launch, Sportpesa CEO Ronald Karauri expressed a long-term vision beyond the initial two years, highlighting the firm’s commitment to nurturing talent through the National 7s Circuit.
Sportpesa dream for Kenya 7s
He also emphasized his goal to see the sport become monetized, calling for more sponsors to support improved salaries for Kenya 7s players.
Denis Abukuse in action for kenya 7s (Shujaa) in Safari 7s. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma
“We want to continue this journey beyond two years. By supporting the National 7s Circuit, we aim to develop new talent for the national team sustainably,” Karauri stated.
“Last year, our sponsorship was 22 million. Now, we have entered a two-year contract, with 33 million for the first year and 49.5 million for the next. I believe we can help monetize this sport and encourage the players to keep working hard as things continue to improve.”
Kenya 7s, returning to the World SVNS Series, will compete in Pool A, which includes France, the team that won the final Series event in Madrid and took Olympic gold in Paris. The pool also features an exciting African derby with Kenya set to face a strong South African team that has shown dominance in Dubai. Completing Pool A is Australia, reigniting their rivalry with Kenya from the Olympic Games.
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In Pool B, Argentina, the 2024 World SVNS Series League phase champions, will clash with Ireland, Great Britain, and newly promoted Uruguay, who join Shujaa in the Series.
Pool C promises intense competition as Fiji, New Zealand, USA, and Spain go head-to-head.
Kenya 7s SVNS 2025 Schedule
The 2025 SVNS Series will kick off in style at Dubai’s Sevens Stadium on November 30 – December 1, 2024. Off the field, UK artist Stormzy will lead the entertainment lineup as SVNS continues to blend rugby with music, food, and entertainment.
All 24 teams will then travel to Cape Town’s DHL Stadium for the second round on December 7-8, 2024, where local fans will cheer on their Olympic medal-winning men’s team.
Perth returns as a host for the third round, following a successful debut in 2024. This round will be held at HBF Park on January 24-26, 2025. Vancouver will welcome the fourth round on February 21-23 at BC Place, and the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is set for March 28-30 at the new Kai Tak stadium.
The sixth round will take place at Singapore’s National Stadium on April 5-6, where the SVNS League Winners – the teams with the most points across the first six rounds – will be crowned.
Kenya 7s (Shujaa) players hurdle in a past match. Photo/Screen grab
The top eight men’s and women’s teams at the end of the Singapore event will advance to the World Championship in Los Angeles on May 3-4, hosted at Dignity Health Sports Park, the LA 2028 Olympics venue.
LA will also host high-stakes promotion and relegation play-offs, with the top four men’s and women’s teams from the HSBC Sevens Challenger joining the bottom-four ranked teams from SVNS, vying for coveted spots in the future Series.
