NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT

NSC leaders Kenya Harlequin include Simbas centre in Driftwood 7s roster

By Amanga collins

Posted on September 6, 2024

kenya Harlequin Charles Kinyajui celebrates at Christie 7s. PHOTO/Tabby Nashipae

Kenya Harlequin, the current leaders of the National 7s Circuit, have made adjustments to their squad ahead of the Driftwood 7s, set to take place at Mombasa Sports Club.

Kenya Simbas centre Richel Wangila returns to the lineup after completing his international duties in Uganda. Wangila has been appointed as co-captain alongside Amon Wamalwa.

Kenya Harlequin changes

Head coach Paul Murunga has also recalled Albert Alela and Wycliffe Ochieng, with Patrick Wainaina and Sheldon Kahi making way for the returning players.

Catholic Monks in attack against Kenya Harlequin in Christie 7s. PHOTO/Tabby Nashipae

The team retains several key players, including Kenya 7s forward Herman Humwa, alongside Lucky Dewald, Wiseman Aganya, Brian Ratilla, David Mwangi, Jan Remke, Charles Kinyanjui, and Leonard Fogang.

Harlequin face stiff competition, with matchups against second-placed Kabras RFC, Nakuru RFC, and Mwamba RFC in this weekend’s tournament. They aim to extend their lead atop the table, having already accumulated 75 points this season.

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Kenya Harlequins head into Driftwood 7s as the most successful team in the tournament’s history, boasting 12 titles. Their first win was in 1990, followed by a three-year winning streak from 1994 to 1996.

Kenya Harlequin’s Charles Kinyanjui reacts in a past match. PHOTO/Brian Mwenje

They continued their dominance with another string of victories from 2003 to 2006. Their last Driftwood 7s title came in 2016, and this year they remain one of the most consistent teams, reaching the semifinals in every round of the current season’s circuit.