Sevens teams set for Spain tournament

Daniel Taabu of Kenya Shujaa takes a conversion against Zambia during their Tusker Safari Sevens 2019 match at RFUEA Grounds on October 19, 2019. Shujaa won 31-0. [Photo/Stafford Ondego, Standard]

National men’s and women’s national rugby sevens teams are set to compete at the Inter Region Sevens tournament in Madrid, Spain for two successive weekends between February 20 and 28.

Shujaa and Lionesses, who have been starved of competitive rugby since the coronavirus pandemic struck last year, will use the event to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics scheduled to start in July. 

The tournament, which will feature most teams that play in the World Sevens Series, has been organised by the Spanish Rugby Federation together with World Rugby. 

Shujaa coach Innocent Simiyu has largely opted for experience in his travelling squad with Nelson Oyoo expected to co-captain the side alongside Herman Humwa.

Captain Kenya Lionesses Philadelphia Olando. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Alvin Otieno of Homeboyz has also been included together with KCB quartet of Andrew Amonde, Jacob Ojee, Johnstone Olindi and Vincent Onyala. 

The notable absentee is the team’s all-time leading try scorer Collins Injera. 

“We started training with thirty players and it was not possible to work together due to the current circumstances (Covid-19). Some were training remotely,” Simiyu said after naming his squad.