Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has outlined its strategic plan to restore Kenya 7s to its former glory in the World Rugby Sevens Series.
The KRU, led by the newly elected board, is determined to rectify the recent relegation and position Shujaa for a successful return to the prestigious tournament.
Addressing the concerns of rugby fans across the country, the KRU highlighted its commitment to taking swift action and working diligently to reclaim Shujaa’s position in the World Rugby Sevens Series by the 2024/25 season.
“We understand the disappointment felt by Kenyans due to Shujaa’s relegation from the World Rugby Sevens Series. Rest assured, we are fully dedicated to addressing this setback and putting our team back where it belongs,” stated the Kenya Rugby Union.
The first step in the strategic plan involves conducting a comprehensive review of the recently concluded 2022-2023 season. The findings and recommendations from this review will guide the board in making informed decisions and implementing remedial measures to realign the team for success.
“While we acknowledge the challenges we faced in the past season, we are determined to learn from them and emerge stronger. Our review will provide valuable insights to ensure Shujaa is fully equipped for future competitions,” emphasized the KRU.
Despite their relegation, Shujaa will honor their pre-arranged commitments for the rest of the year. They have received an invitation to the prestigious New York City Sevens tournament, where they will compete alongside other top global rugby sevens teams on July 15th, 2023. This event will serve as a platform for Shujaa to enhance their competitiveness and kick-start their journey back to the World Rugby Sevens Series.
“Our participation in the New York City Sevens tournament is an important opportunity for us to showcase our determination and resilience. We will use this event to evaluate our progress and implement necessary measures to regain our position,” stated the KRU.
The Africa Cup, scheduled for September 16th and 17th, 2023, in Zimbabwe, holds significant importance for Shujaa. This tournament serves as the Olympic qualifier, and the KRU has set its sights on securing qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite facing strong competition from the South Africa Blitzboks, the KRU is confident in Shujaa’s potential.
“We believe in the capabilities of our team and their ability to rise to the occasion. Our goal is to prepare Shujaa to be considered a favorite for victory in the Africa Cup and secure our qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics,” expressed the KRU.
To ensure Shujaa’s and Morans’ (Kenya’s second national sevens team) preparedness for high-level competition, the KRU plans to have them participate in various satellite sevens rugby tournaments worldwide. These tournaments will provide invaluable experience and exposure for the teams, enabling them to enhance their performance.
However, the ambitious goals set by the KRU require additional funding and partnerships. The KRU is actively seeking support from its current partners, including the Government of Kenya, and is open to engaging new partners to secure the necessary resources for the team’s success.
“We appreciate the support we have received thus far, and we are actively seeking partnerships to further strengthen our team. With the unwavering support of our partners and the Government of Kenya, we are confident in Shujaa’s resurgence,”
