Rugby: Chogo, Kubu return as Du Plessis eyes dominance

Kabras Sugar RFC's Half back Brian Tanga donning the new jersey that was launcged on January 7, 2019 at Kakamega Showground in Kakamega. (Photo: Washington Onyango/Standard)

Kabras Sugar RFC have been boosted with the return of their elusive back Jone Kubu and hard-hitting lock Andrew Chogo.

The duo missed the first five matches of the 2018-19 Kenya Cup season.

The Fijian back started training in December playing a vital role in helping Kabras Sugar II win their fifth consecutive match against Impala Saracens II in the Eric Shirley Shield (ESS).

Kenyan International Andrew Chogo also resumed training last week and the two are expected to play a big role when the millers host 10th placed Menengai Oilers in Kakamega as Kenya Cup resumes this weekend after the Christmas break.

“It’s a good boost for us with the return of our star players. Jone has been fantastic and Chogo is a beast whom we will unleash very soon. I am very happy with the current squad and their performance so far in the Kenya Cup and therefore we saw no need for signing,” head coach Henley Du Plessis told The Standard Sports.

Du Plessis’s side is currently unbeaten in the Kenya Cup same as in the Eric Shirley Shield, leading KCB RFC in both stages after recording 100% bonus wins.

However, the millers will have to start the year without Kenya Simbas hooker Coleman Were who is set to undergo a second surgery.

“Coleman needs an operation. We don’t know how long he will be out but we hope he returns soon. Nevertheless, we have a strong squad that can compete,” he said.

The former Boland Cavaliers forwards coach also said South African utility player Logan Basson, who can play across the back-line from fly-half to winger and fullback, is fully fit for action after sustaining minor knee and foot injuries from their last two games last year.

Meanwhile, Kabras Sugar RFC will now be donning a new jersey that has yellow as the dominant colour while black and green shades.

Kabras Team Manager David Ngugi said the jersey will be used for the first time when they welcome Nakuru based Oilers at Kakamega Showground.