Kenya Lionesses Eye Third Straight HSBC Challenger Series Title in Krakow Showdown

The Kenya Lionesses are on the verge of making rugby history. The national women’s sevens team will take the field in Krakow, Poland, from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13, for the third and final leg of the HSBC Challenger Series. If they keep their unbeaten streak alive, the Dennis Mwanja-led squad will secure their first-ever qualification to the prestigious HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

After a blistering start to the Challenger Series, which included dominant title wins in Cape Town and Dubai, the Lionesses currently sit at the top of the standings with 40 points. Their closest challengers, South Africa, trail by six points—giving Kenya a vital cushion heading into the final leg.

Kenya’s Road to Glory

The journey began with a dramatic 17-12 victory over Argentina in the final of the first Challenger Series leg. In the second leg, the Lionesses shut out South Africa 17-0 in a powerful display of pace and discipline. Grace Adhiambo starred in both tournaments, including a hat-trick performance against Belgium.

Now in Krakow, the Lionesses are just a few games away from realizing their dream. The top four teams from this leg will qualify for the final playoff round scheduled for May 3–4 in Los Angeles, where a spot in the elite HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is up for grabs.

Group Stage Fixtures and Opponents

Drawn in Pool A, the Lionesses will begin their Krakow campaign on Friday, April 11, with the following fixtures (East Africa Time):

• vs Belgium – 11:50 am

• vs Thailand – 3:20 pm

• vs Colombia – 6:28 pm

Kenya enters the group stage with confidence, having beaten Belgium 17-5 and Colombia 12-5 in Cape Town. Thailand, however, will present a new challenge. Though the teams have not met in the series so far, Thailand proved their strength with a fifth-place finish in Cape Town after a 14-7 win over Uganda.

What’s at Stake in Krakow

This final leg isn’t just about another tournament trophy—it’s about making history. A clean sweep in Krakow would cap an undefeated series for Kenya and earn them a place among the world’s elite women’s rugby nations. The top four teams from Krakow will advance to the high-stakes playoffs in Los Angeles, where qualification for the 2025 World Rugby Sevens Series will be decided.

The Lionesses are playing today… This is how the itinerary is looking like;

1. Vs. : 11:50 AM, EAT
2. vs. : 15:20 PM, EAT
3. vs. : 18:28 PM, EAT

Catch the live on https://t.co/pETLszH1Ga #Lionesses #SafaricomRugby #MpesaPowersKenya7s pic.twitter.com/RILLsSbeZ9

— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) April 11, 2025

With 40 points in the bag and only one leg to go, the Lionesses are perfectly positioned. Their form, confidence, and experience give them a real shot at securing not only a third Challenger title but also the ultimate goal—a permanent spot in the world series.

Star Players to Watch

Grace Adhiambo has been a standout performer, leading the team with her attacking flair and consistent scoring. Naomi Amuguni and Judith Okumu provide a strong backbone in the midfield, while veterans like Sheila Chajira and Christabel Lindo add vital experience and leadership on the pitch.

Sharon Auma, Diana Awini, and Moreen Muritu have all contributed defensively, while Phoebe Akinyi and Sinaida Mokaya bring explosiveness off the bench. This well-balanced squad has the depth and versatility needed to compete at the highest level.

How to Watch

Fans eager to follow the action can stream the matches live on World Rugby’s official platforms or follow updates through the Kenya Rugby Union’s social media channels. All three of Kenya’s pool matches will be played on Friday, setting the tone for a thrilling weekend of high-stakes rugby.

Squad:

Grace Adhiambo, Naomi Amuguni, Judith Okumu, Sharon Auma, Sheila Chajira, Diana Awini, Christabel Lindo, Moreen Muritu, Freshia Oduor,, Stella Wafula, Phoebe Akinyi, Sinaida Mokaya

The stage is set in Krakow. The Lionesses have already inspired with their performances in Cape Town and Dubai—now, they chase history, and a chance to compete among the best teams in world rugby.

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