Kenya 7s head coach Kevin Wambua has announced the squad that will compete in the final leg of the Challenger Series, set to take place in Munich on May 18-19, 2024.
The squad sees the return of key players Patrick Odongo and Brian Tanga, who missed the trip to Uruguay due to injury and illness, respectively.
Humwa back for Kenya 7s
The coaching staff has also given Herman Humwa his first outing of the season, while Lamec Ambetsa and Chrisant Ojwang, who impressed in their debuts in Montevideo, have been retained for a second consecutive appearance.
Kenya 7s player Brian Tanga tries to hit gap. PHOTO/Mike Lee for World Rugby
Other players keeping their spots in the squad include Kevin Wekesa, Samuel Asati, John Okoth, George Ooro, and Nygel Amaitsa. The team will be captained by Vincent Onyala and Tony Omondi, who are expected to lead the squad with their experience
Kenya 7s aim to secure a top-four finish in Munich, which would qualify them for the promotion playoff in Madrid at the end of May. This Challenger Series playoff will determine which teams will join the HSBC SVNS in 2025.
In the men’s Challenger competition, Uruguay, the current leader in the standings, is in Pool A alongside hosts Germany, Georgia, and Papua New Guinea. Hong Kong, the silver medalist from Montevideo, joins Uganda, Tonga, and Mexico in Pool B.
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Pool C features Kenya 7s, currently second in the standings, alongside Chile, Portugal, and Japan.
In the women’s category, event leaders China will compete against Thailand, Hong Kong China, and Czechia in Pool A. Argentina, currently second in the standings, joins Uganda, Paraguay, and Papua New Guinea in Pool B. Pool C comprises Belgium, Poland, Kenya, and Mexico.
The Munich tournament marks the final leg of the 2024 Challenger 7s competition, providing a pathway to the prestigious HSBC SVNS in 2025. The top four men’s and women’s teams from the Challenger series, based on cumulative points, will qualify for the high-stakes relegation play-off at the HSBC SVNS Grand Final in Madrid on May 31-June 2, 2024. These teams will compete against those ranked ninth to 12th from the HSBC SVNS 2024 for a spot in the 2025 series.
Kenya 7s players celebrate in Challenger Series. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique
With so much at stake, the Kenya 7s team is eager to make a strong showing in Munich, aiming for a spot in the upcoming playoffs and ultimately a place in the HSBC SVNS in 2025.
Kenya 7s final squad
Vincent Onyala, Tony Omondi, Kevin Wekesa, John Okoth, Brian Tanga, George Ooro, Patrick Odongo, Samuel Asati, Herman Humwa, Nygel Amaitsa, Lamec Ambetsa, Chrisant Ojwang
