NAIROBI, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Sevens rugby team is under pressure to retain their core status in the World Sevens Series as they head to London and Paris legs later this month.

The Kenya team, nicknamed Shujaa are ranked in position 13 and have amassed 25 points one above Wales (25) and four over Japan (22), which has left coach Paul Murunga facing a relegation battle.

London Sevens will be played on May 25-26 while the Paris tournament is set for June 1-2. "It means we must by all means necessary finish above the two sides in London and Paris," said Murunga in Nairobi on Thursday.

The coach was speaking after naming his team for the Europe tour. Murunga has made three changes to the side that was in Hong Kong and Singapore.

He has brought in Cyprian Kuto, Brian Wandera and Charles Omondi all who missed out on a number of legs in the season due to injuries.

"I am happy to be back in the team, so that we can achieve our set targets in these last two legs of the series. I had a hip problem in Vancouver that has since been dealt from the rehab sessions with Lamech Bogonko and Michael Shamia. I am going to put my best foot forward," said Cyprian Kuto in Nairobi on Thurday.

Murunga has retained the rest of his regulars, Vincent Onyala, Andrew Amonde, Bush Mwale, Daniel Sikuta, Eden Agero, Daniel Taabu, Jefferey Oluoch, Nelson Oyoo and Johnstone Olindi.

Captain Jacob Ojee who missed out on the Asian tour due to academic commitments will also be back in action at the London and Paris Sevens. Ojee will be deputized by Oluoch. Enditem