NEWS

Slight changes as Taabu, Okeyo make Shujaa squad for Safari 7s

By Amanga collins

Posted on October 8, 2024

Kenya 7s speedster Patrick Odongo scores. PHOTO/Mike Lee for World Rugby.

The Kenya Rugby Union has announced the Shujaa squad set to compete in the 2024 Safari 7s, scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday at Machakos Stadium.

The squad will be without key players including Brian Tanga, John Okoth, Vincent Onyala, Tony Omondi, Kevin Wekesa, and Nygel Amaitsa, who are all unavailable for the tournament.

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

However, the squad sees the return of Daniel Taabu, with Philip Okeyo and Felix Okoth from Nakuru RFC also making the cut. Jackson Siketi has been moved to the Morans squad.

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William Mwanji and Brian Mutua, who were part of the extended squad last season and contributed to Shujaa’s return to the Series, have also been included.

Additionally, the squad features top National 7s Circuit scorer Dennis Abukuse, playmaker Benson Salem, speedster Brian Mutugi, and Gabriel Ayimba. Key players George Ooro, Samuel Asati, and Patrick Odongo have also retained their spots in the squad.

Kenya 7s huddle in the Cape Town 7s. Photo Courtesy/ World 7s Series.

Earlier on Monday, four more teams were confirmed for the 2024 Safari 7s. Lions Rugby and Red Wailers have joined the list for Africa’s premier rugby tournament. National 7s Circuit Champions Kenya Harlequin are also confirmed, along with a select side representing Kenyan universities.

These teams join other confirmed participants from the launch of the Tusker sponsorship. Kenya’s national rugby team will field two squads: Shujaa and Morans. Regular competitors such as Uganda Cranes and Shogun Rugby (formerly Samurai Rugby) will also be returning, alongside Zimbabwe.