Rugby: Kenya out of SA tournament, focus on Cup League

RUGBYU-SIN-SEVENS Frank Wanyama (L) of Kenya runs with the ball against Argentina during day one of Singapore Rugby Sevens tournament on April 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / ROSLAN RAHMAN

After Kenya pulled out of the Assupol Sevens in South Africa over the weekend, focus has now shifted to the Kenya Cup League that kicks off on November 25.

Kenya pulled out of the South African tournament after the team failed to process their visas in time for the Kenya Airways flight to Johannesburg owing to the unexpected public holiday declared last Wednesday ahead of the repeat presidential election on Thursday.

The team, under head coach Innocent Simiyu, was scheduled to leave on Friday morning.

Alternative flights

Attempts to get alternative flights to South Africa proved futile, prompting the union to withdraw from the tournament.

A statement from the union regretted the unforeseen circumstances but said they would make adequate preparations for the World Sevens Series where Kenya is grouped in Pool A with South Africa, Uganda and Canada.

The South African tourney was meant to act as a training session for the national Sevens team by exposing new call-ups in readiness for the 2017-2018 World Sevens Series that kicks off with the Dubai Sevens at The Sevens Stadium on December 1-2.

As the focus shifts to the local scene, the union is yet to release the season fixtures.

Top six

A few changes have been made ahead of the new season. The top six teams will qualify for the quarter-final playoffs on March 3.

The league will run for four months until March 17 before making way for the National 15s side - The Simbas - who are preparing for the African qualifiers to the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

Last season, Kenya Commercial Bank reclaimed the Kenya Cup League title with an impressive 36-8 victory against defending champions Kabras Sugar at the KCB Sports Club. 

[Ben Ahenda]