Agevi returns to Shujaa squad for Vegas Sevens

Masaku Sevens rugby tournament on July 5, 2015. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO]

Impala winger Edmund Anya is the only uncapped player named in the Kenya Sevens team that will do duty at the fifth and sixth rounds of the 2018-19 World Sevens Series that sees the recall of three other players.

The fifth round will take place in Las Vegas, USA next weekend before action heads to Vancouver, Canada one week later.

Anya, who is also part of the national 15s set up joins the team as a replacement for the injured Mark Wandeto.

His inclusion is among four changes made by Shujaa head coach Paul Murunga who has also recalled the trio of Herman Humwa, Charles Owino and Michael Agevi.

Agevi’s last involvement with the national team was during the 2014-15 campaign and according to Murunga, the Mwamba forward brings with him a wealth of experience.

“He (Agevi) joined us a few weeks ago. He has been in the squad previously and he brings with him the much needed experience,” Murunga said after naming his squad yesterday.

Menengai Oilers loose forward Harold Anduvate is also sidelined with an injury while Eliakim Kichoi and William Reeve have been rested.

Jacob Ojee, who was Kenya’s top try scorer at the Hamilton Sevens retains the captaincy with Cyprian Kuto, Brian Wahinya, Bush Mwale and Daniel Taabu all making the cut.

At the Las Vegas Sevens, Kenya will face hosts USA, France and Argentina in Pool B and Murunga is hopeful of a good outing.

“A lot of work should be done;USA is one of the strongest sides and if we play well against them, then we shall be ready to tackle the other two teams,” said Murunga.

“The work we have put in shows we have a good chance against Argentina and France because we have beaten them before,” Murunga added.

Shujaa is languishing in 13th position on the standings having collected 12 points. They head to Las Vegas on the back of a last place finish at the Sydney Sevens.

“The team is settling and we are looking forward to get out of that position. We hope to get more points in the upcoming legs and our target now is to get out of the bottom half of the table,” Murunga said.

Shujaa will open their Las Vegas Sevens campaign against the USA before facing France and Argentina.