Rugby team ready for Commonwealth Youth Games

Kenya Under 20 Rugby national team Lionesses at Kasarani stadium during naming of the Girls Rugby Team that will represent the country in the upcoming Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The13 squad team that will participate at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in August 4-11 is raring to go after Kenya Rugby Union unveiled it on Thursday.

The team was selected from 18 girls who were called to camp and it comprises players from across the country.

This will be the first time a rugby youth team from the women's side will be participating in an international event.
 
“We have development squads, but we have never had an under-18 national team. We have never been out there to expose ourselves. This is a lifetime opportunity to expose these young girls now that they are young and prepare them for the future senior teams’ assignment,” coach Sarah Agola said on Thursday.
 
The girls will face some of the best sides in world among them Canada, Wales, Australia, Fiji and hosts Trinidad and Tobago.

The sevens rugby competition will be played in a round robin format and the top two teams will battle it out for gold as third and fourth runners up will face off for bronze.

“We are well prepared and ready to fly our national flag on our first international assignment. We will fight to be on that podium in Trinidad," team captain Margaret Wangui said.

Kenya who are the sole African representatives will begin their campaign from August 6-8.

“We are grateful to the National Olympics committee of Kenya for giving us this opportunity to have the girls prepare and participate in these games. It is a big plus,” Agola said.

The Kenya U18 Women’s National Sevens Squad comprises the following outstanding players:
 
Kenya Under-18 team

Linda Kagwiria (St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale)

Salma Akoth (St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale)

Marvel Laura (TTC Mombasa)

Jackline Kagwiria (St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale)

Sharon Iminza (Eregi Girls High School)

Claudia Muhavi (Eregi Girls High School)

Brenda Ogembo (Eregi Girls High School)

Bernice Bryanzi (Eregi Girls High School)

Ann Namunyak (Hidden Talent Academy)

Janet Oyaro (Hidden Talent Academy)

Mary Mwende (Oolooa Secondary School)

Margaret Wangui (PCEA Ngong High School)

Mitchelle Alivitsa (Hidden Talent Academy)