Boost as Shujaa ink deal with Crown Paints ahead of crucial HSBC legs

The national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, has inked a sponsorship deal with major paint manufacturer Crown Paints ahead of three crucial HSBC rugby legs of the 2024/2025 Sevens Series.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) announced the partnership Thursday at the RFUEA grounds with the paint manufacturer with the deal valued at Sh 2,612,500 which will be divided to cater for both financial backing and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

According to KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai, the deal comprises a cash injection of Sh1,612,500 that will cater for Shujaa as they prepare for the fast-approaching Hong Kong Sevens on March 28-30, 2025, while a contribution of Sh1, 000,000 in paint products for pitch marking, facility enhancements, and a transformative school painting program.

 “This is a partnership that has come a long way given that this is not the first time Crown Paints is coming into the rugby landscape, and we are really grateful because it is the first step to many more, and we hope to expand further,” Mutai noted.

In the same breath, KRU Director of Rugby Paul Odera emphasized that sponsorships are not solely about financial contributions.

“There are a lot of aspects of the game, including the psychological and nutritional parts, and we are grateful that such sponsorships support these elements. This partnership will significantly contribute to creating a positive environment for our players,” Odera stated.

The partnership with Crown Paints comes after KRU and gaming company announced late last year an enhanced Sh.84.2m sponsorship deal to boost Shujaa in the HSBC rugby legs of the 2024/2025 Sevens series.

KRU would later announce Mpesa as the front shirt sponsor for the Kenya Lionesses and the back sponsor for Shujaa, committing a sponsorship package of Sh 90 million over two years. Each team was set to receive up to Sh 22.5 million annually.

Ahead of the Hong Kong Sevens on March 28-30, 2025, Shujaa will be seeking to redeem themselves after finishing bottom and registering no win at the HSBC World Seven Series in Vancouver, Canada.

The Kevin Wambua-coached side will have to traverse through a rugged Pool C alongside Spain, Great Britain and France at the Kai Tak Stadium, with a knockout rounds ticket at stake.

Shujaa are staring at a possible relegation if they don’t register positive results in Hong Kong. They are placed at position nine after four circuits played with 15 recorded points.

Pool A: Argentina, Fiji, USA, Ireland

Pool B: South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Uruguay

Pool C: Spain, Great Britain, France, Kenya 7s