Kenya draft in Mwamba's Brian Mutua for weekend Madrid playoff, the tournament set to decide whether they will return to the World Series at the first time of asking.
Kenya's national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, is set to compete in the HSBC 7s playoffs from May 31 to June 2 in Madrid, Spain.
Head coach Kevin Wambua has announced the squad, which has been honing their skills in Miramas, France, following their participation in the Challenger Series in Germany.
The squad sees the inclusion of Brian Mutua from Mwamba RFC, a key player known for his instrumental performances.
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Canada-based star Olindi included as Kenya Simbas name provisional squad for Rugby Africa Cup escapade
The former Shujaa star makes a return to the squad for the first time since moving to Canada as KRU announce provisional Simbas squad to commence Rugby Africa Cup preparations.
Despite missing the second day of the Munich leg due to injury, co-captain Tony Omondi is also included in the squad, bringing vital experience alongside co-captain Vincent Onyala.
The team retains several core players, including Kevin Wekesa, John Okoth, Brian Tanga, George Ooro, Patrick Odongo, Samuel Asati, Herman Humwa, Nygel Amaitsa, Lamec Ambetsa, and Chrisant Ojwang, all of whom are set to travel to Spain.
Shujaa's qualification for the playoffs is the result of a determined campaign throughout the Challenger Series.
They started the year on a high note by winning the Dubai leg in January. However, a third-place finish in Montevideo, Uruguay, in March meant they needed a strong performance in the final leg in Munich to secure a top-four spot and the playoff berth.
08:10 - 24.05.2024
Shujaa, Lionesses get a feel of Kenya’s pre-Olympics camp in Miramas ahead of major assignments
Shujaa and Lionesses have camped in Miramas, France ahead of their respective World Series playoffs and Olympics qualifiers with the city set to host Team Kenya before Paris Olympics.
In Munich, Shujaa faced significant pressure but delivered a commendable performance, navigating a challenging pool that included Japan, Chile, and Portugal. Their efforts paid off, earning them a place in the playoffs.
In Madrid, Shujaa is placed in Pool B alongside Spain, Samoa, and Chile. Spain and Samoa, both finishing in the bottom four in the HSBC SVNS, will be making their playoff debuts. Kenya 7s and Chile, on the other hand, secured their spots by finishing in the top four of the Challenger Series.
The top four teams from this playoff will qualify for the 2025 HSBC SVNS, which is set to begin later this year.
Shujaa squad
Vincent Onyala, Tony Omondi, Kevin Wekesa, John Okoth, Brian Tanga, George Ooro, Patrick Odongo, Samuel Asati, Herman Humwa, Nygel Amaitsa, Lamec Ambetsa, Chrisant Ojwang, Brian Mutua.