KRU and clubs agree to form committee to develop scenarios for season conclusion

KCB rugby team players celebrate their victory after winning of finals of Kenya Rugby Union leagues at ASK Kakamega showground in a previous tournament [BY BENJAMIN SAKWA]

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has caved in to pressure from stakeholders and allow for discussions regarding the conclusion of the canceled 2019/2020 season.

On Thursday, April 9, KRU moved to announce the cancellation of all league and cup competitions for the 2019/2020 season due to the spread of the coronavirus. 

Through communication on their website on Thursday, April 9, KRU identified The Kenya Cup, Championship, Nationwide leagues, Enterprise and the Mwamba Cup as competitions canceled.

On Thursday, April 14, KRU chair Oduor Gangla confirmed clubs appealed the cancellation, acknowledging clubs had a right to and explained issues would be taken into consideration by the fixtures committee.

“It will be considered by the Fixtures Committee of the Board who are mandated to deal with local competitions matters,” said the KRU chair.

In a statement seen on the KRU website on Monday, April 27, the union has finally resorted to negotiating with relevant stakeholders on how the current season will end.

Full statement on KRU Website:

“Following further consultations with clubs over the past one week regarding cancellation of the KRU calendar for the 2019/2020 season, the KRU is persuaded that stakeholders prefer a scenario where the season comes to a conclusion once the COVID-19 situation and its various restrictions ease. KRU and Clubs have thus agreed to form a consultative committee to develop various scenarios and timelines under which the season can be concluded all factors considered. With this in mind, the 2019/2020 season then stands suspended and not cancelled as earlier communicated...”

- Signed by KRU Honorary Secretary Ian Mugambi.