Kenya’s Shujaa squad for the upcoming Vancouver 7s has been announced, with Jackson Siketa and Jone Kubu making the cut for the fourth leg of the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series set to take place from February 21 to 23 in Canada.
Head coach Kevin Wambua has made a few key changes to the squad as Kenya looks to improve on their 10th-place finish at the Perth 7s in Australia. The inclusion of Siketa and Kubu adds depth and versatility to the team, which will compete in Pool A alongside Argentina, France, and Great Britain.
Siketa and Kubu Ready for the International Stage
Jackson Siketa, the highly talented Kabras RFC fullback, has been called up for his first appearance in the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series. The young star has been making waves since his days at Koyonzo High School, where he helped his school team, Koyonzo Stormers, win their first-ever Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Rugby 7s title in 2023.
His stellar performances at the national and East African levels saw him named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) at both stages. This earned him a spot in Kenya’s U20 national team, Chipu, where he continued to shine.
Siketa was part of the 2024 Barthes Cup-winning team, helping Kenya defeat Zimbabwe 28-13 to secure a slot in the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland. Fresh from his international experience in Scotland, he joined Kabras RFC’s senior squad for the 2024 National 7s Circuit, where he played a crucial role in their Dala 7s victory and helped the club finish second in the overall circuit standings.
His impressive form also earned him a place in Kenya Morans during the 2024 Safari 7s, where he contributed to the team’s podium finish. Now, he gets a chance to test himself at the highest level in the Vancouver 7s.
Meanwhile, Fijian-born Kenyan international Jone Kubu makes his return to the Shujaa squad. Kubu was part of the training team in 2023 but was sidelined due to a suspension. Now back in form after recovering from knee surgery, he has been a standout performer for Kabras RFC, scoring five tries in four matches this season. His inclusion brings creativity and experience to the squad, making him a valuable asset for Shujaa.
Shujaa’s Squad for Vancouver 7s
Alongside Siketa and Kubu, several key players have retained their spots in the squad, including team captains George Ooro and Samuel Asati. The squad also features experienced campaigners such as Kevin Wekesa, Vincent Onyala, Dennis Abukuse, Anthony Omondi, Patrick Odongo, Floyd Wabwire, and Brian Tanga.
However, Nondies RFC’s Benson Salem and KCB Rugby’s Festus Shiasi will miss out on this leg of the tournament.
With sights set on conquest at #Vancouver7s, the squad charges forward, blending seasoned prowess with new talent. Head coach Kevin Wambua entrusts the dynamic duo of Jone Kubu and Jackson Siketi with their debuts.#Shujaa#MpesaPowersKenya7s#SafaricomRugby#SportPesaNaShujaa pic.twitter.com/enfycKgSBS
— Shujaa (@KenyaSevens) February 13, 2025
Aiming for a Stronger Performance
After finishing 10th in the Perth 7s, Shujaa will be aiming for a better performance in Vancouver. Kenya has been placed in a competitive Pool A, where they will face:
- Argentina – A formidable side with a history of strong performances in the HSBC Sevens Series.
- France – The reigning Paris Olympics champions, who will be eager to maintain their high standards.
- Great Britain – A team with plenty of experience and physicality in the sevens format.
Although the pool presents a tough challenge, Kenya has shown the ability to compete with top teams in past tournaments. The addition of fresh talent like Siketa and Kubu could provide the extra edge needed to secure a higher finish in Vancouver.
What to Expect from Shujaa
Kenya’s squad blends youth and experience, with a mix of powerful forwards and agile backs who can capitalize on opportunities in open play. With Wambua’s tactical approach, Shujaa will be looking to:
- Improve their defensive structure to limit opposition scoring chances.
- Enhance their attacking play with quick ball movement and exploiting space.
- Utilize new talent effectively, giving Siketa and Kubu a chance to prove themselves.
The Vancouver 7s will be a crucial test for Shujaa as they aim to climb the rankings in the HSBC World Rugby 7s Series and build momentum for the remainder of the season.
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