Omondi has made his stance known on the quality of the current Shujaa setup as they begin their Challenger Series campaign in Dubai.
Shujaa co-captain Tony Omondi believes that the current crop of players that have been assembled by head coach Kevin Wambua are good enough to return Kenya to the HSBC SVNS.
Kenya safely arrived in Dubai on Tuesday and are stepping up final preparations ahead of their first Challenger Series match, where they will be playing Mexico on Friday.
Speaking to World Rugby during the captain’s meet, Omondi, revealed the side's target for the Challenger Series this season.
20:32 - 10.01.2024
RUGBY Wambua reveals Shujaa's target ahead of Dubai Challenger event
Wambua has revealed how he will get Shujaa to return to the big time of World Sevens Rugby as the side begins its campaign to do so in Dubai.
“Preparations have gone well. We know that to have a shot at getting back on the Series we have to finish in the top four and that is the motive,” he said.
Omondi reflected on the side's achievements since being relegated from the World Series, including Olympic qualification.
“It feels amazing to have led the team in qualifying for the Olympics. It is the pinnacle of sports in the world so playing in the Olympics is a dream come true for every athlete.,” Omondi said.
20:04 - 09.01.2024
RUGBY Where to watch Shujaa's opening Challenger Series leg in Dubai
Find out where and how to catch Kenya's Shujaa and Lionesses in action at the Dubai Challenger Series.
“The Olympics is a big plus for us but we all know we fell short of playing in the HSBC SVNS this year and the goal is to get back into the series with the current crop of players that we have I believe that is possible.
The Challenger was introduced in February 2020 to boost the development of rugby sevens across the globe and provide a clear promotion pathway to reach the top level.
The short format of the game has experienced huge growth over the past two decades since the introduction of the World Sevens Series and becoming an Olympic sport at the Rio 2016 Games.
16:07 - 08.01.2024
RUGBY Lionesses aim for the stars in Dubai at opening HSBC Sevens Challenger leg
Just like Shujaa, the Lionesses will be seeking qualification to the World Series by doing as well as they can in the Challenger Series which commences this weekend in Dubai.
The 2024 edition of the Challenger competition kicks off with combined events at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Friday 12 to Sunday 14 January.
It will be followed by Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo, Uruguay on Friday 8 to Sunday 10 March before standalone women’s and men’s events at Henryk Reyman's Municipal Stadium in Krakow, Poland, and Dantestadion in Munich, Germany respectively on Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 May.
HSBC World Rugby Sevens Challenger 2024 dates:
Dubai, UAE – 12-14 January (men and women), Montevideo, Uruguay – 8-10 March (men and women), Krakow, Poland - 18-19 May, (women) Munich, Germany –18-19 May (men).
16:40 - 06.10.2023
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Fans around the globe can watch all the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger action from Dubai live on RugbyPass TV.
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