Kenya 7s technical bench has named the squad that will feature in the Perth 7s slated for Australia on 24-26 January as the World SVNS heads to the third round.
The squad has been boosted by the return of Vincent Onyala, who is set to make his first appearance in the new-look World SVNS Series. Onyala missed the 2022/23 relegation season due to a knee injury and the opening two legs of the 2024/25 season due to contractual issues.
Kenya 7s return
Brian Tanga is also back after recovering from a wrist injury picked during Dala 7s in the National 7s Circuit in 2024. Brian Mutua and Brayan Ondego have paved the way for the changes.
Kenya 7s player Brian Tanga tries to hit gap. PHOTO/Mike Lee for World Rugby
Kevin Wekesa, William Mwanji, Denis Abukuse, Nygel Amaitsa, Antony Omondi, Festus Shiasi, Benson Salem, and speedsters Patrick Odongo and Floyd Wabwire have been retained.
Samuel Asati and George Ooro are retained as captains.
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In the men’s tournament, hosts Australia will feature in Pool A alongside reigning SVNS league winners Argentina, Cape Town champions South Africa, and the USA.
Pool B sees an all-European clash with Olympic champions France, Spain, Great Britain, and Ireland.
Pool C promises exciting matchups as Fiji and New Zealand face newly promoted Kenya and Uruguay.
The women’s pools are equally compelling. Olympic champions New Zealand headline Pool A with Japan, Ireland, and Brazil. Pool B includes Olympic silver and bronze medallists Canada and the USA, alongside Great Britain and Fiji. Pool C is led by hosts and HSBC SVNS 2024 champions Australia, drawn with France, China, and Spain.
After thrilling tournaments in Dubai and Cape Town launched the HSBC SVNS 2025 season, four different teams have claimed titles, making the competition wide open.
Denis Abukuse in action for kenya 7s (Shujaa) in Safari 7s. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma
New Zealand’s women lead the standings after triumphing in Cape Town, while Australia’s women dazzled with gold in Dubai, featuring star performances from World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year Maddison Levi, who set a record with 15 tries in a single tournament.
Fiji currently tops the men’s standings, showcasing their trademark flair to take gold in Dubai. South Africa also impressed, securing victory in front of their home fans in Cape Town.
Perth 7s Men’s Pools
- Pool A: Australia, Argentina, South Africa, USA
- Pool B: France, Spain, Great Britain, Ireland
- Pool C: Fiji, New Zealand, Kenya, Uruguay
Women’s Pools
- Pool A: New Zealand, Japan, Ireland, Brazil
- Pool B: Canada, USA, Great Britain, Fiji
- Pool C: Australia, France, China, Spain
Kenya 7s final squad for Perth 7s
- Kevin Wekesa
- George Ooro (CC)
- William Mwanji
- Vincent Onyala
- Denis Abukuse
- Samuel Asati (CC)
- Nygel Amaitsa
- Antony Omondi
- Patrick Odongo
- Festus Shiasi
- Benson Salem
- Floyd Wabwire
- Brian Tanga
