Ouma named in rugby team for Commonwealth

Kenyan Sevens head coach Paul Treu has named a strong 12-man squad blend of youth and experience for the 2014 Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow, Scotland.

Shujaa, who were eliminated Australia in Main Cup quarter finals of the 2010 edition, are in Pool B alongside rivals South Africa Cook Islands, Trinidad and Tobago for the rugby competition that will take place on the weekend of July 26-27 at the Ibrox Stadium.

Nakuru RFC flanker Oscar Ouma and KCB skipper Andrew Amonde, who missed the final round of the 2013/14 HSBC Sevens World Series due to work commitment and injury respectively, are back in the team. Ouma has replaced French-based winger William Ambaka, who suffered an ankle injury ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

Strathmore Leo's duo of Billy Odhiambo and Tonny Owour have been drafted in the team as well as Nakuru RFC's back row Martin Owila, who's been handed his maiden national call up after impressing at the recently concluded CAR Division 1A championship in Madagascar.

In an interview with Feverpitch, Treu hailed the availability of Ouma, Amonde and Humphrey Kayange, but defended the inclusion of youngsters in the team.

"The availability of Ouma, Kayange and Amonde is a big boost to the team. All of them are game breakers and with their vast experience they will be there to guide the team," said Treu.

"Owila is a disciplined player and with a lot of potential to make to the first team. He has worked very hard throughout the season and I am sure he's up to the task. With two of key players injured, it's good to give new players an opportunity to prove themselves."

The South African revealed that Commonwealth Games is part of their preparation for the 2014/15 IRB Series starting October that will see the top four qualify for 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Glasgow is part of our preparations for the new IRB season and 2015 Olympics, but also a chance for us to make Kenya proud after Simba XV failed to qualify for the World Cup.

It's definitely going to be a tough tournament, but being the first time for some of us to participate in a multi-sport event, we want to leave a mark," said Treu.

The team will depart for Glasgow on Sunday 13.

Squad: Andrew Amonde (captain), Collins Injera (vice captain), Oscar Ouma, Martin Owila, Patrice Agunda, Felix Ayange, Billy Odhiambo, Humphrey Kayange, Tonny Owuor, Michael Wanjala, Michael Agevi, Dennis Ombachi

Management: Paul Treu (Head Coach), Vuyo Zangqa (Assistant Coach), Felix Ochieng (Assistant Coach), Graham Bentz (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Lameck Bogonko (Physiotherapist), Steve Sewe (Team Manager)

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