Kenya Sevens Stars on high demand in London

Humphrey Kayange (L) evades a tackle during a HSBC Paris Sevens Series rugby match between Kenya and New Zealand at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris on May 14, 2016. [AFP PHOTO]

Despite missing out on the main cup quarters, Kenya Sevens players remained the most sought after stars at the 2016 London Sevens.

Minutes after Collins Injera made history by scoring his 231st try on Saturday, attention shifted to Kenya Sevens and not even the hosts England could help it.

Kenya had just lost Rugby players 12:19 to France in their final group D match but even the victorious French players did not celebrate their win, they all lined up to shake hands, hug or simply take photos with Injera, Kayange and other Kenyan players.

Outside Twickenham Stadium's West Stand at the Players' Entrance a big crowd gathered waiting for coach Benjamin Ayimba to show up.

The games were still ongoing in the pitch but since Kenya was done for the day, it was time for the boys to return to their hotel room. But who would let them just leave Twickenham Stadium like that?

When Ayimba walked out of the door leading to Twickenham Stadium's West Car Park, followed by the entire team, the crowd went wild. The scramble, cameras and smartphones not forgetting the chants, song and dance from clueless looking Kenyans in the UK. The boys were on demand, not even their relatives and close friends who were flown in by Kenya Airways could get close.

Beautiful ladies lined up to take selfies as their helpless boyfriends watched in disbelief. The fans got carried away and he who came to the games with his girlfriend regretted because the not so endowed men (without abs) in attendance were reduced to photographers by their lovers who wanted to take photos, talk and hug Kenyan beaters.

For close to two hours, the management of Kenya Sevens team had a rough time trying to restore order and whip the boys to the team bus.

"Some things are never planned but all in all, these fans are the reason we train and play hard, let us enjoy the moment," said Injera while trying to waddle out his way through the crowd to find his mum and dad.

"We were not happy with the results today but the fact that our fans still love us this much is beyond our imagination, I am humbled," Willy Ambaka told Standard Digital.

Kenya Rugby Union too was not left behind with the board's Vice Chairman Thomas Opiyo at hand to congratulate the boys. Opiyo, popularly known as Tano expressed optimism that the boys will leave to even put up a better show today as the games close.

"We have the best team Injera is still breathing fire, we keep going till the last minute," said Tano.

Kenya plays Fiji at 11:52 local time in the Bowl Cup quarter finals.