Former Kenya 7s star Oscar Ouma is among a group of Kenyan players scheduled to feature in the 2023 Rugby Tens Championship in South Africa.
The event organizers have officially announced the participation of Ouma, a Kenyan rugby icon who has not only captained the Kenya 7s team but also represented the country in the Olympics. Joining him in representing the Elephants are fellow Kenyan Internationals Collins Shikoli, Alvin Marube, and Michael Agevi.
Other players joining Oscar Ouma
Elkeans Musonye, a versatile back-row player for Kenya Simbas and Menengai Oilers, will be a part of the Rhinos, a team under the guidance of coach Lorinda Brown du Plessis. Brown du Plessis brings a wealth of experience, having played in both 7s and 15s World Cup tournaments and earned the title of South African player of the year.
Oscar Ouma in action for Kenya 7s. PHOTO/World Rugby.
In the women’s competition Judith Okumu, Stellah Wafula, Christabel Lindo and Grace Okulu are set to represent the Elephants.
The Rugby Tens Championship, now in its 3rd edition (R10C), promises a thrilling display of rugby skills and talents. The event is scheduled to take place at the Charles Morkel Stadium in Strand, Cape Town on November 18, 22, and 25, 2023.
This championship not only features seasoned campaigners but also introduces exciting new prospects and international rugby stars who have left their mark on the world stage, including the Olympics and the World Cup.
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Spectators can look forward to witnessing not only former Springboks but also former Blitzboks in action. Lwazi Mvovo, a notable rugby figure, will be donning the colors of the Cape Town Wild Dogs, while Jongi Nokwe and Braam van Straaten have taken up coaching roles for the Balkans Honey Badgers and San Clemente Rhinos, respectively. Nokwe is also joined by Sean Erasmus, a successful coach known for his contributions to Paarl Boys High and SA Schools.
“We are very excited with the calibre of players heading to this year’s Rugby Tens Championship,” says co-founder and CEO, Andreea Trufasu. “Apart from some of the elite players we’re announcing today, the competition will also feature exciting up-and-coming players from across the world, including South Africa.”
2023 Rugby Tens Championship
The 2023 Rugby Tens Championship is set to host a star-studded cast of rugby talent, featuring renowned names from both the sevens and 15s formats of the game.
Branco du Preez, a sevens specialist and the most capped Blitzbok of all time, is all set to make his mark with the Rhinos. Meanwhile, the experienced Frankie Horne will bring his expertise to the Serengeti Elephants, taking on the roles of General Manager and Head Coach.
The international flavour of the tournament is evident with sevens players from across the globe, including those who have proudly represented their countries in prestigious events like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and the HSBC 7s Series. Additionally, a contingent of 15s players with international experience on the global stage will also grace the tournament.
Oscar Ouma with a big carry against England. PHOTO/World Rugby
Notable South African representatives include Shona-Leah Weston and Nomsa Mokwai (Wild Dogs), Voice Ndou (Elephants), and Sisanda Ndlela (Honey Badgers), who have all donned the national colours in international matches.
The Wild Dogs boast the impressive presence of Joanah Ngan-Woo, a Women’s World Cup champion with the Black Ferns in 2021. The Elephants, on the other hand, welcome Renee Gonzalez, who has represented Canada in both sevens and 15s.
The Honey Badgers’ lineup features a wealth of experience with Aoife McDermott (19 caps) and Anna Caplice (16 caps), both of whom have proudly represented Ireland in international matches and the Six Nations. They are joined by a global mix of talent, including Georgina Friedrichs and Katrina Barker (both Australia 7s and 15s) and Pleuni Kievit (Dutch 7s). The Honey Badgers Academy, under the guidance of head coach Tamara Taylor, stands to benefit greatly from her 114 international caps and her status as a double English Player of the Year awardee. Currently, Taylor also holds the role of head coach for the Sweden XV Women’s team.
