WORLD SEVENS SERIES

Kenya 7s include Wabwire and Ondego in Dubai 7s squad, 8 set for Series debut

By Amanga collins

Posted on November 21, 2024

Kenya 7s players celebrate in CHallenger Series. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique

The Kenya 7s technical bench has named the squad set to represent the nation in the Dubai 7s, marking their return to the World SVNS Series after a one-season absence following relegation in 2023.

Eight players are set to make their debut in the World 7s Series with Zetech Oaks playmaker Brian Ondego set to don the Shujaa jersey for the first time.

Kevin Wekesa now one of the most experienced members of the squad is back after missing Safari 7s as well Nygel Amaitsa who is set to make his World 7s Series debut.

Daystar speedster Patrick Odongo who has been one of the stand out performer alongside Kabras duo William Mwanji and Brian Mutua will make their World 7s Series debut after impressing during the Safari 7s.

Wekesa, Dennis Abukuse and George Ooro are some of the players with World 7s Series experience that have been included in the squad.

The revamped Series features only 12 teams, and Kenya’s return comes on the back of a sponsorship boost. The team secured an 84.5 million KES deal from SportPesa, comprising 33 million for the first year and 49.5 million for the second year.

EDITOR’S PICKS:

Kenya 7s, drawn in Pool A, will face a formidable lineup. They open their campaign against France, the Olympic gold medalists and winners of the final Series event in Madrid. Next, they will renew their rivalry with South Africa in an all-African derby.

The Blitzboks have historically dominated in Dubai for five seasons, adding to the challenge. Completing the pool is Australia, rekindling memories of past Olympic battles.

The 2024/25 SVNS Series kicks off at Dubai’s Sevens Stadium from November 30 to December 1, blending rugby with a vibrant entertainment experience headlined by UK artist Stormzy.

Nygel Amaitsa goes over for a Kenya 7s try, PHOTO/ Rugby Afrique

The second leg will take place at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium (December 7-8), followed by the third round in Perth at HBF Park (January 24-26, 2025). Vancouver’s BC Place will host the fourth round on February 21-23, while the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens is set for March 28-30 at the new Kai Tak Stadium.

Singapore’s National Stadium will host the sixth round on April 5-6, where the SVNS League Winners will be crowned.

The top eight men’s and women’s teams will qualify for the World Championship in Los Angeles, hosted at Dignity Health Sports Park on May 3-4. LA will also host crucial promotion and relegation playoffs, where the bottom-four ranked SVNS teams will battle it out with the top-four from the HSBC Sevens Challenger.