Rugby: Shujaa to play Uganda in Commonwealth Games opener

Kenya Sevens at Dubai Sevens.[Courtesy]

Kenya Sevens will kick off their 2022 Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens campaign with a match against neighbors and archrivals Uganda next week on Friday. 

The Commonwealth Games will be starting on Thursday next week in Birmingham, England where the Chef de mission for Team Kenya John Ogolla and CEO Humphrey Kayange are ready to receive the team with the first batch of athletes set to leave on Friday this week.

Kenya is represented by 127 athletes in athletics, boxing, squash, hockey, badminton, 3 on 3 basketball, cycling, swimming, table tennis, triathlon, rugby, lawn bowls and para-cycling.

Shujaa will take on Uganda from 12.50 pm East African Time at the Coventry Stadium. Kenya are in Group D against Uganda, Jamaica and Australia.

16 teams will be contesting for the gold medal, Shujaa will be eyeing revenge on the Uganda Cranes who painfully dethroned them as the African Seven champions.

The Damian McGrath-coached side will then face Jamaica at 8.58pm before they wind up their pool matches on Saturday with a clash against Australia at 12.50pm.

New Zealand headline Group A where they will face off against England, Samoa and Sri Lanka.

Group B consists of African giants South Africa, Scotland, Tonga and Malaysia while Group C features Tokyo Olympic gold medalists Fiji, Canada, Wales and Zambia.

Shujaa Fixtures at Commonwealth Games

Friday July 29

Kenya vs Uganda – 12.50pm EAT

Kenya vs Jamaica – 8.58pm EAT

Saturday July 30

Kenya vs Australia – 12.50pm EAT