Crown Paints PLC has committed KES 2.6 million to sponsor the Kenya Men’s 7s team, Shujaa, for the 2025 HSBC Sevens series. The sponsorship includes KES 1.6 million in cash and KES 1 million in-kind support to the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), for pitch marking, facility refurbishments, and a school painting initiative under the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
As part of the deal, Crown Paints’ branding will appear on Shujaa’s shorts during three major tournaments—Hong Kong (March 28-30), Singapore (April 5-6), and Los Angeles (May 3-4). Additionally, the company will contribute to grassroots rugby development through its partnership with KRU.
Speaking on the partnership, Crown Paints PLC Chief Operating Officer Richard Muturi expressed confidence in Shujaa’s ability to shine on the global stage. “We are thrilled to support Shujaa as they compete against the best in the world. Rugby embodies resilience, teamwork, and national pride—values we share at Crown Paints. This sponsorship is not just about sports; it’s about empowering communities and strengthening the rugby ecosystem in Kenya.”
2025 HSBC Sevens Series Campaign
Shujaa kicked off their 2025 HSBC Sevens campaign on November 30, 2024, in Dubai, where they put up a strong fight against some of the world’s best teams. The Kenyan side impressed in the pool stages, securing a crucial win over Canada and pushing heavyweights like South Africa and Fiji to the limit. Despite falling short in the quarterfinals, the team showed glimpses of their trademark attacking flair.
In Cape Town, the second leg of the series, Shujaa bounced back with an even stronger performance, making it to the Cup quarterfinals after an emphatic win against Spain and a hard-fought draw against Australia. The team’s resilience continued in Perth, where they narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot but earned crucial series points with victories over Samoa and the USA.
As they prepare for the upcoming legs in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles, Shujaa is focused on maintaining their upward trajectory. With Crown Paints’ backing, the team hopes to break into the top-tier rankings and continue making Kenya proud on the global stage.
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