Kenya's Shujaa rugby team now faces relegation after slipping to 14th in the HSBC World Sevens Series following a 22-14 semifinal loss to Japan in Vancouver. The defeat marked their third straight winless leg in the 2018/19 season, with the team failing to secure a single victory across six series stages.
Frank Wanyama, a Kenyan international, criticized the Kenya Rugby Union for political interference, stating it has undermined team performance. 'Politics has caused all the problems facing Shujaa,' he told Citizen Digital. 'We need to prioritize the game over internal conflicts to improve results.'
The team's campaign in Vancouver saw them lose all group-stage matches, including 12-36 to Fiji and 12-35 to Samoa. Despite a 21-36 defeat to Canada, they managed only a consolation try from captain Shaddon Singah Munoko in their final match. In the Challenge Cup, they were thrashed 47-7 by Australia, scoring just one try.
With only one leg remaining in the 2018/19 series, Shujaa must avoid further losses in Hong Kong in April to prevent relegation. Coach Paul Murunga's squad will aim to address tactical and personnel issues ahead of the critical tournament.
