The national sevens rugby team was relegated from the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series after a 12-7 playoff final loss to Canada on Sunday at Twickenham Stadium in London.

Kenya has lost their place as a core team in international rugby's premier sevens series.

The four-team relegation playoff was created as a result of the World Series cutting the total number of teams for men to 12 from 16 next season to align with the women's tournament and the Olympic field at the HSBC London 7s, the 11th and final stop of the men's season.

Japan, which finished 15th in the standings, was demoted following last weekend's competition in Toulouse, France.

That left No. 12 Uruguay, No. 13 Kenya, No. 14 Canada, and World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series champion Tonga in the round-robin relegation playoff.

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Kenya kept its dreams alive by making the final on points difference despite losing 14-10 against Uruguay.

Despite some tense exchanges between the two teams, Shujaa were the first to score, with skipper Nelson Oyoo crossing the line following some brilliant play by Billy Odhiambo. Tony Omondi's conversion made it 7-0.

However, catastrophe struck when Kenya lost the excellent Kevin Wekesa to injury, with Canada controlling the game from then on.

They eventually got their first try through Josiah Morra, who added the extras for a 7-7 halftime score.

The game remained even in the second half, with both teams looking for a winner.

Shujaa's problems worsened after John Okeyo was thrown out for two minutes. Canada took use of its numerical advantage.

Despite Shujaa recovering possession after Canada's restart kick, Okeyo could not capitalize as Canada regained control and booted the ball out to maintain their standing.