KRU recalls Lionesses from Rugby Africa Camp in Tunisia

Kenya Lionesses Janet Okello (right) in action against Madagascar at the Sevens Solidarity Camp in Tunisia. [Courtesy]

Kenya Lionesses will not take part in the final leg of the Rugby Women’s Sevens Solidarity Camp in Tunisia.

This after Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) recalled the team from the camp owing to the rise of COVID-19 cases in Tunisia.

The Tunisian government has suspended school classes, imposed mandatory quarantine and extended a nightly curfew as a measure to curb the increasing cases of the deadly virus.

Lionesses had entered the camp last week and featured in the first tournament on Saturday and Sunday.

Kenya registered six wins in eight matches played over the weekend at the Rugby Africa 7s Solidarity Camp at the Maison du Rugby in Tunisia.

Tunisia is expected to have a one-week lockdown as a way to deal with the cases.

Kenya Lionesses at Dubai 7s. [Courtesy-Dubai 7s]

The Union says after consultations with the Rugby Africa, the Kenya Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage and the Tunisian Rugby Federation saw it fit to withdraw the Lionesses from the camp.

“Kenya Rugby Union has taken the decision to recall the Kenya Women’s National Sevens Team, The Lionesses, from the Rugby Africa Solidarity Camp in Tunisia in light of our state COVID 19 mitigation protocols,” reads a statement by KRU Honorary Secretary Ian Mugambi.

“The decision is based on advice from our medical team and was made after consultation with Rugby Africa, the Kenya Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage and the Tunisian Rugby Federation.”

‘We extend our sincere gratitude to Rugby Africa and the Tunisian Rugby Federation for facilitating this camp and hosting us.”

“It was a great opportunity to gauge ourselves against quality continental opposition and also exchange ideas on growing the women’s game on the continent.”

“We look forward to similar engagements in future.” the statement concludes.

The camp was to help Lionesses get ready for the Olympics Games.