Kenya names unchanged squad for Dubai Sevens

Kenya has named an unchanged squad from the one that qualified for the Rio Olympics for the season-opening Dubai Sevens next month.

Long-serving skipper Andrew Amonde, Oscar Ayodi and Dennis Ombachi, who scored the last-gasp try against Zimbabwe to send Kenya to next year's Rio Games will miss the event.

Amonde is on compassionate leave after a bereavement so star winger Collins Injera will skipper the side for both the Dubai Sevens on December 4-5 and the Cape Town Sevens a week later.

Kenya coach Benjamin Ayimba has selected Robert Aringo and Nelson Oyoo to replace Amonde and Ombachi.

"Amonde is busy arranging his sister's funeral. We just want him to have a bit of rest mentally and physically, we want him back fresh after the tournament. We expect the new entrants to the squad to produce results given that we've got good senior players as well," said Ayimba.

Kenya are drawn in Pool D at the Dubai Sevens with Australia, England and Wales.

Kenya squad for the Dubai and Cape Town Sevens:

Collins Injera (captain), Biko Adema, Willy Ambaka, Oscar Ouma, Billy Odhiambo, Leonard Mugaisi, Augustine Lugonzo, Bush Mwale, Frank Wanyama, Jeffrey Oluoch, Robert Aringo, Nelson Oyoo.