Shujaa to face Spain as Lioness tackle Russia in Madrid 7s

Kenya Rugby Sevens team, Morans' Alvin Otieno (left), Akwei Monate and Vincent Onyala celebrates during Safari Sevens after beating South Africa at Rugby Football Union Grounds on Sunday, Oct 20, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The Kenya national sevens team will kick off their invitational Madrid Sevens tournament in Spain against France on Saturday.

Shujaa have been drawn against hosts Spain, France, USA, Argentina and Portugal.

The Madrid Sevens is based on round-robin circuit with the best teams qualifying for the knockout stage.

The match against France will be played on Saturday after which they face Portugal and USA in their final two games of the day.

On Sunday, Shujaa will face hosts Spain then conclude the round robin circuit against Argentina.

The Shujaa squad to Madrid will be co-captained by Nelson Oyoo and Herman Humwa.

Head coach Simiyu named left out Kenya’s all time try top scorer Collins Injera for the tournament.

Andrew Amonde will also miss out due to injury.

In the meantime, Lionesses will open their campaign against Russia then face USA, France, host Spain and Poland using the same round robin circuit.

This will be the first time the two Kenyans teams will be in action since the outbreak of Covid 19 pandemic.

The tournaments set for Madrid is one of several high-performance focused opportunities being scheduled during the first half of 2021 to assist in the development and preparation of seven teams ahead of the Olympic Games.

It will be the first tournament for teams since the 2020 Vancouver 7s which was played on 8 March 2020.

Shujaa Squad

Nelson Oyoo (Co-Captain), Herman Humwa (Co-captain), Alvin Otieno, Andrew Amonde, Harold Anduvati, Vincent Onyala, Willy Ambaka, Daniel Taabi, Johnstone Olindi, Mark Kwemoi, Tony Omondi, Billy Odhiambo, Derrick Keyoga, Jacob Ojee, Jeff Oluoch

Non Travelling Reserves: Alvin Marube, Bush Mwale, Levi Amunga

Lionesses Squad

Philadelphia Olando (Captain), Celestine Masinde, Sheila Chajira, Ann Goretti, Stella Wafula, Naomi Amuguni, Camilla Cynthia, Janet Okello, Linet Moraa, Enid Ouma, Diana Awino, Christabel Lindo, Sarah Oluche