Kenya caused biggest shock of the season to land their first ever major sevens title by thrashing defending world series champions Fiji 30-7 in the Singapore Sevens final. Kenya are now the second African nation after South Africa to win a World Series leg. Kenya have shot up to seventh in the standings after their 22-point haul in Singapore, with Fiji extending their lead at the top to eight points over South Africa with two rounds remaining in France and England. Fiji entered the tournament with a five point lead over New Zealand in the World Series table after seven of 10 tournaments, but were overwhelmed in the final by Kenya.
Following a day of shocks on Saturday, Kenya found themselves on the easier side of the cup draw, and after overcoming Argentina in a pulsating semi-final, they put the World Series leaders Fiji to the sword in the final, prevailing 30-7 at the Singapore National Stadium.
Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta congratulatied the team on Twitter for their remarkable win. Rugby Sevens will feature for the first time in this summer's Olympics in Rio.
Kenya, who have qualified for the Olympics in the men's and women's event, opened up a 20-0 half-time lead over the favourites with two of their four tries from Collins Injera. "Beating Fiji makes it extra special, they are the strongest team and they are leading the series, so getting 30 points against Fiji is simply amazing," Injera, who won the Player of the Final award, said. Kenyan coach Benjamin Ayimba said no African team had ever won a tournament outside of the continent before.
"Given this is the first time, this win will encourage more kids in Africa to play rugby and now they also have more heroes to look up to. This is definitely a milestone for the whole continent and not just for Kenya."
South Africa, beaten narrowly by Fiji in the semis, finished third after thrashing Argentina 28-0. They now sit second on the World Series table. Samoa landed the second tier Plate title after causing another upset in beating New Zealand, Scotland edged United States to land the Bowl and Russia crushed Wales to win the Shield.
Africa Team