Blow to Kenya 7s rugby team

Kenya Sevens rugby team has suffered a blow with news that Oscar Ouma will miss the two remaining legs of the World Sevens Series.

The Nakuru RFC loose forward, who picked up a knee injury during the second leg in Cape Town, but aggravated in Las Vegas, will miss the Paris and London legs.

Ouma was not available for the Hong Kong and Singapore rounds and he underwent a successful surgery last week.

In an interview with Feverpitch, Ouma, who put the great New Zealand player Sonny Bill Williams (SBW) flat on his back in the third leg, said he will not rush his return to action before the Rio Olympics.

“I don’t think I will be around for the next two legs. Probably the person who is going to come back (from an ankle injury), is Billy Odhiambo. I am focusing on the Olympics and will not rush my return. I just want to recover and then make sure I am in good shape to fight for a place in the team,” said Ouma.

With young players like Frank Wanyama, Sammy Oliech, Nelson Oyoo and Robert Aringo already proving their worth, the former Kandy SC (Sri Lanka) star believes his absence will be rarely felt in Paris and London.

“The future is very bright for the Kenyan rugby team. As you saw, most of the guys who played in the circuit have not been around for long, but with the guidance of Humphrey (Kayange), Andrew (Amonde) and Collins (Injera), they have shown they can also perform at that level.”

“After we won the Singapore leg, we can build on that and continue winning. It is something we know we can do. Going into the Olympics, our target is to finish within the medal bracket,” said Ouma.

And given the high level of competition in the team, Ouma conceded he would have to fight for his place on his return.

“Once there is competition, at least you are sure that those who are travelling are the best. So with the young guys stepping, up it poses a big challenge for the senior players.”