Kenya Lionesses out of Paris Olympics after losing to China in Repechage

Kenya’s Judith Okumu charges through the Czechia defense on day three of the World Rugby Sevens Repechage at Louis II Stadium. [World Rugby]

The national women’s rugby sevens team will not play in next month’s 2024 Paris Olympic games.

This is after Kenya Lionesses lost 24-7 to China in the finals of the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco on Sunday.

World Rugby designed the Repechage to bring together 12 men and women’s nations in a battle to secure one final slot for the Paris games.

In the match, China kicked off well after defending early Kenyan onslaught before turning defense to attack and Chen Keyi touching down their opening try for a 7-0 lead after conversion by Gu Yaoyao.

Kenya would however respond immediately after a big carry by Grace Adhiambo scattered the Chinese defense before Janet Okello picked the mantle to touch down between the posts.

Adhiambo added the extras to tie the match at 7-7.

China would however take a 12-7 half time lead after Keyi touched down his second try at the left corner after the hooter.

In the final half, China put on their game face to seal their ticket to Paris after Sun Yue stretched the scores to 17-7 with another unconverted try before Yaoyao scored and converted her own try and seal a 24-7 win.

China grabbed the last ticket to Paris and will join the likes of Japan, New Zealand, France and Australia in Olympics.