Shujaa include two debutants for next month's Hong Kong Sevens

Shujaa's Jonestone Olindi(right) in action against Canada during Dubai Sevens.[Courtesy-World Rugby]

English tactician Damian McGrath on Wednesday included two debutants to the Kenya Sevens squad set to kick off their 2022-2023 KSBC World Rugby Sevens Series season in Hong Kong next month.

McGrath who is expected to hit the ground running after blaming his poor show on lack of time after joining the national team midway through the 2021-2022 season named Strathmore Leos' George Ooro and Dennis Abukuse of Menengai Oilers to his 14-man team.

Abukuse impressed for Kenya Cup finalists Oilers when the Nakuru-based side won their first ever National Sevens Circuit three months ago while Ooro was instrumental for Leos who finished third.

Ooro was also named in the overall Team of the Season after his exploits for Leos who also won the Christie Sevens leg.

Nelson Oyoo will still captain the side as regulars Willy Ambaka, Billy Odhiambo, Johnstone Olindi, Vincent Onyala, Bush Mwale, Daniel Taabu and Edmund Anya are retained for the new season.

Others are Herman Humwa of Kenya Harlequin and Kevin Wekesa of Kabras Sugar.

Alvin Otieno who missed the Rugby Sevens World Cup was not included in the squad after he joined Eastman Warriors Rugby Club in Canada.

Kenya Sevens will kick off their campaign with a tricky fixture against Argentina, Ireland and Canada in a tricky Group D in the season opening Hong Kong Sevens scheduled to take place from November 4.

In the new season, Shujaa will be aiming to get the much elusive consistency that saw them finish the 2022 campaign in a disappointing 12th position

The Damian McGrath will open their campaign on Friday, November 4, with a clash against 2022 Rugby World Cup bronze medalists Ireland before they face South America heavyweights Argentina.

Shujaa will afterwards close their group phase with a match against Canada who finished behind them in the 2022 Series standings.

Group A comprises of series defending champions Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and hosts Hong Kong who are the invited team the season opener in arguably the Group of Death.

South Africa, who will be beginning life under the stewardship of new head coach Sandile Ngcobo who replaced Neill Powell, will be taking on France, Great Britain and Uruguay in Group B.

Group C will feature Olympic and Rugby World Cup champions Fiji taking on USA, Spain and Japan.

Meanwhile, in the 2023 campaign, the top four men's and women's teams will secure their ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games courtesy of finishing among the best four nations.

Shujaa squad: Nelson Oyoo (C), Vincent Onyala (V/C), Bush Mwale, Willy Ambaka, Billy Odhiambo, Johnstone Olindi. Daniel Taabu, Edmund Anya, Anthony Omondi, Herman Humwa, Kevin Wekesa, Dennis Abukuse (debut), George Ooro (debut)

Hong Kong Sevens Groups

Group A: Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Hong Kong

Group B: South Africa, France, Great Britain, Uruguay

Group C: Fiji, USA, Spain, Japan

Group D: Argentina, Ireland, Kenya, Canada