The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Rugby: Safari Sevens returns to RFUEA grounds

Rugby

By Ben Ahenda | Jul 04, 2017

Kenya's Shujaa Andrew Amonde in action against Western Province during their 2016 Safari Sevens match at Kasarani Stadium on Sept. 24, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

We’re coming home where we belong

After seven years of no action at the Ngong Road venue, the tournament is heading back there.

After seven years of doing the rounds, the Safari Sevens will return to its traditional home - the Rugby Football Union of East African (RFUEA) grounds on Ngong Road in Nairobi.

When it moved from RFUEA, the tournament was held at Nyayo Stadium before moving to Kasarani Stadium.

For three days, November 3-5, rugby fans will be at RFUEA for Africa’s premier rugby tournament before National Sevens head coach Innocent Simiyu picks his provisional squad for the 2017-2018 HSBC World Sevens Series Championships.

Keep Reading

The event, which is normally held in October, got new dates after the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) changed the National Sevens Circuit fixtures from this month to September because of next month’s elections.

The circuit acts as a curtain raiser for the Safari Sevens Championships that has produced stars that include Steve Gichuki, Ken Aswani, Felix Ochieng, Benjamin Ayimba, Oscar Osir, Allan Makaka, Humphrey Kayange and Collins Injera.

Other world-beaters like the South African trio of Justin Geguld, Mzwandile Stick and Renfred Dazel, among others, have honed their skills at this tournament.

Already, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has invited teams like Samurai, Fiji Barbarians, Western Province, Portugal, Spain, Hong Kong, Zimbabwe, Uganda and The England Saxons.

In a bid to ensure that fans have a worthwhile experience at RFUEA, the LOC has set out to improve the infrastructure at the grounds and will liaise with police to manage the flow of traffic at and around the venue.

Measures are also being put in place to ensure that fans and participants are safe and secure.

Meanwhile, French match official Tual Trainini will be in charge of the Rugby Africa Gold Cup clash between Kenya and Tunisia at RFUEA on Saturday.

The 32-year-old has officiated in the French Top 14 and various European competitions and will be assisted by the Zimbabwean duo of Precious Pazani and Julian Mundandawara. A third Zimbabwean, Joseph Ingwe, will be the citing officer.

Elsewhere, the All Blacks are chomping at the bit to get back out on the pitch and avenge only their fifth loss in more than six years against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

[Additional information by Reuters]