Shujaa fall to Fiji in Bordeaux 7s opener

Shujaa suffered a disappointing start to the Bordeaux Sevens, the third and final leg of the 2026 HSBC SVNS World Championship Series, after falling 31-12 to Fiji in their opening Pool ‘A’ match on Friday in France.

Fiji wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Terio Veilawa collecting the kick-off and racing through to score before successfully converting his own try for an early 7-0 lead.

Shujaa responded through Patrick Odongo after a loose ball spilled from a tackle.

The Daystar Falcons speedstar reacted quickest, hacking the ball forward before winning the chase to touch down before David Nyanginge converted to level the score.

Kenya were handed a numerical advantage moment later when Fiji's Kavekini Tanivanuakula was shown a yellow card for a tackle infringement. However, Shujaa failed to capitalise on the extra man.

Odongo nearly grabbed his second try shortly afterwards after another kick-and-chase effort, but he was unable to gather the bouncing ball over the try line.

Fiji immediately launched a swift counterattack, which George Bose finished off at the stroke of halftime to give the Pacific Islanders a 12-7 lead at the break.

Kenya started the second half brightly when Kevin Wekesa produced a crucial turnover before sprinting clear to score under the posts. However, David Nyangige's conversion attempt struck the upright, leaving the scores level at 12 - 12.

The Fijians quickly regained control as Tanivanuakula crossed over following a defensive lapse with Sakiusa Siqila adding the extras. Apete Narogo then added another converted try moments later to stretch the lead to 26-12.

Narogo completed his brace late in the match after collecting the ball from a scrum move initiated by Joji Mavudolo, sealing a comfortable 31-12 victory for Fiji.

The win was crucial for Fiji, who arrived in Bordeaux sitting fourth in the standings and needed just one victory to secure their Division One status for next season.

For Shujaa, the defeat leaves their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

Shujaa must reach at least the quarterfinals in Bordeaux to retain their place as a core team in Division One.

Shujaa face a stern test against South Africa Sevens later today at 9:36 p.m.