World Rug by Challenger Series: Kenya Lionesses ready to hunt in Poland

Kenya Lionesses Rugby 7s players pose for a photo during training session at Kasarani Annex on May 09, 2024. The team is preparation for the World Rugby Challenger series in Poland, Madrid and Olympic Qualifiers respectively. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Freshia Oduor and Edith Nairaka are set for their Challenger debuts after making the Lionesses squad to Poland.

They come in for the Japan based duo of Grace Okulu and Janet Okello who have not been released for this assignment by their club, MIE Pearls. Sheila Chajira captains the team to Poland.

Event leaders China will compete against Thailand, Hong Kong China, and Czechia in Pool A.

Kenya Lionesses Sharon Auma (left) during training session at Kasarani Annex on May 09, 2024. The team is preparation for the World Rugby Challenger series in Poland, Madrid and Olympic Qualifiers respectively. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Argentina, currently second in the standings, joins Uganda, Paraguay, and Papua New Guinea in Group B.

Kenya are in Group C alongside Belgium, Poland, and Mexico.

The Munich tournament marks the final leg of the 2024 Challenger 7s competition, providing a pathway to the prestigious HSBC SVNS in 2025.

Kenya Lionesses players during training session at Kasarani Annex on May 09, 2024. The team is preparation for the World Rugby Challenger series in Poland, Madrid and Olympic Qualifiers respectively. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The top four men’s and women’s teams from the Challenger series, based on cumulative points, will qualify for the high-stakes relegation play-off at the HSBC SVNS Grand Final in Madrid on May 31-June 2, 2024.

These teams will compete against those ranked ninth to 12th from the HSBC SVNS 2024 for a spot in the 2025 series.

Lionesses Squad

Sheila Chajira (captain), Judith Okumu, Christabel Lindo, Stella Wafula, Naomi Amuguni, Terry Ayesa, Sharon Auma, Sinaida Nyachio, Phoebe Akinyi, Maureen Muritu, Freshia Oduor (debut), Edith Nariaka (debut).