Crown Paints PLC has pledged KES 2.6 million to sponsor Kenya’s Men’s 7s rugby team, Shujaa, for the 2025 HSBC Sevens Series. The sponsorship deal 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 (CSR) programme.
As part of the agreement, Crown Paints’ branding will feature on Shujaa’s shorts during three major tournaments—Hong Kong (March 28-30), Singapore (April 5-6), and Los Angeles (May 3-4). In addition to sponsoring the national team, Crown Paints will also contribute to grassroots rugby development in partnership with KRU.
Speaking on the sponsorship, Crown Paints PLC Chief Operating Officer Richard Muturi expressed confidence in Shujaa’s potential 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 is about empowering communities and strengthening the rugby ecosystem in Kenya,” he said.
Shujaa began their 2025 HSBC Sevens campaign on November 30, 2024, in Dubai, where they put up a strong fight against some of the world’s top teams. They secured a crucial victory over Canada and challenged powerhouses like South Africa and Fiji. Despite bowing out in the quarterfinals, they showcased their renowned attacking flair.
The team continued their impressive run in Cape Town, reaching the Cup quarterfinals after a commanding win against Spain and a hard-fought draw against Australia. Their resilience was evident again in Perth, where they narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot but gained crucial series points with victories over Samoa and the USA.
As they prepare for the next legs in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles, Shujaa aims to maintain their upward trajectory. With Crown Paints’ backing, the team is focused on breaking into the top-tier rankings and making Kenya proud on the global rugby stage.
