Injera asks for early preps for IRB World Series
Rugby
By
-ERICK OCHIENG’
| Jul 10, 2013
By ERICK OCHIENG’
Nairobi,Kenya:Collins Injera has called on Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) to start early preparations ahead of the 2013-2014 International Rugby Board (IRB) World Series.
Injera, who was the deputy captain during Kenya’s campaign at the World Cup in Moscow, said Kenya is now abig team in the nine-leg World Series. But he has challenged the players to win at least one leg of the competition next season.
He was speaking during a gala organised by Safaricom to reward each of the 17 players that competed at the World Cup in Moscow, with a Samsung S4 smart phone.
This was after Kenya finished fourth behind Champions New Zealand, England and Fiji. A total of 24 teams took part in the competition.
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Alongside the smartphones, each player received Sh20, 000 worth of airtime from Safaricom. The firm also extended the kind gesture to members of the technical bench including head coach Mike Friday and his assistant to appreciate their ability to lead Kenya team.
“As I watched the national side play at the Rugby Sevens World Cup, it was a clear indication that they represented every Kenyan. Their participation therefore is a source of national pride,” said Safaricom’s Chief Executive Officer, Bob Collymore.
“We therefore feel that it is our national duty to appreciate the efforts of this team, which has brought us such glory to Kenya. We believe that this token will boost their morale.”
KRU Chairman Mwangi Muthee asked other corporates to come on board and support rugby.
“We have enjoyed a very good season — coming fourth in the Rugby World Cup Sevens and fifth in the IRB World Series.
“I believe that our team is now motivated to raise the bar even higher in their future international matches,” said Muthee.
The Union chairman further thanked Kenyans for their support toward the National Sevens team saying it was one of the most potent incentives the team had in their campaign at the World Cup and during the International Rugby Board World Series.
Deputy Captain Collins Injera expressed players gratitude for recognition of their efforts.
“We must start early preparations if Kenya wants to dominate in the 2013/2014 IRB World Series and in next years. Then there is also the issue of the Commonwealth Games in Glascow,” he said.
Kenya reached its second consecutive semi-finals in the World Cup in Moscow and was fifth at IRB World Series.