The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding Kenya 7s captain Vincent Onyala’s jersey during the captain’s shoot ahead of the Madrid 7s.
Onyala’s jersey featured tape covering the sponsor’s name, sparking concerns among fans.
Why Kenya 7s taped
The Union explained that Spanish laws prohibit shirt sponsorships by betting firms. As a result, the Kenya 7s jerseys will have their sponsor’s name taped out during the HSBC Sevens Series in Madrid to comply with these regulations.
Kenya 7s players celebrate in Challenger Series. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique
“Spanish laws prohibit shirt sponsorships by betting firms. Consequently, our jerseys will have our shirt sponsor’s name taped out during the HSBC Sevens in Madrid in respect of these laws,” the Union announced.
Spanish laws prohibit shirt sponsorships by betting firms. Consequently our jerseys will have our shirt sponsor’s name taped out during the HSBCSVNS in Madrid in respect of these laws. pic.twitter.com/3qivTH7jUs
— Shujaa (@KenyaSevens) May 29, 2024
The announcement comes after a similar incident in 2018, when Shujaa players played two of their three group matches at the Paris Sevens with the branding of their shirt sponsor, Brand Kenya, concealed.
This action was a protest against the non-payment of Ksh 4 million to the players.
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During the Paris Sevens, the team initially played against New Zealand with the “Make It Kenya” message visible on their jerseys.
However, they covered the sponsor’s message in their subsequent match against Fiji, a game they won 22-19. The other sponsor, Bidco, had its name visible on the back of the jerseys throughout the matches.
This protest drew stern reactions from both the government and the KRU.
Kenya 7s captains Tony Omondi and Vincent Onyala in Challenger Series. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique
KRU chairman Richard Omwela warned of consequences for those who incited the players to conceal the sponsor’s message.
Nzioka Waita, Chief of Staff and Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), stated that the sports ministry must investigate why the Union failed to release payments to the Kenya Sevens team.
