Shujaa to face All Blacks and Springboks in NYC Sevens tourney

Kenya's Kevin Wekesa breaks through the Argentina defense during Cape Town Sevens at Cape Town Stadium. [World Rugby]

Kenya's Shujaa have been drawn in the Red Pool for the inaugural NYC Sevens taking place at the Red Bull Arena in New York City, USA on July 15.

They have been drawn against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

This will be Shujaa's first assignment since they were relegated from the World Rugby Sevens Series last month.

The Blue Pool consists of Fiji, France, Ireland and the USA.

Shujaa will begin the one day event with a match against New Zealand before facing Australia and South Africa in their subsequent fixtures.

The winners of each group will compete in the final for the overall title. The second placed teams will compete in the bronze medal match while third placed teams will fight for the plate title with the bowl final comprising of the fourth placed teams in each group.

Meanwhile, widened global and gender representation are at the heart of an experienced team of citing commissioners and judicial officials selected for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.

With 13 nations represented within the team, the selection made on merit underscores the pathways and processes implemented under independent Judicial Panel Chairman Christopher Quinlan KC and Citing Commissioner Manager Steve Hinds to broaden representation and deepen the talent pool.

Continuing the central mission to deepen understanding and empathy with the playing environment, the selection features a strong blend of former players, coaches and referees and experienced chairs. All come into the tournament with significant international rugby experience.

Within the judicial panel, Rugby World Cup 2014 winner Becky Essex, Rugby World Cup participants Stefan Terblanche (South Africa), Aiolupotea Tonu'u Ofisa Junior Tonu'u and Mike Mika (former Samoa and New Zealand internationals), former Scotland coach Frank Hadden and former international referee Donal Courtney (Ireland) all have significant Rugby World Cup experience. [Additional reporting by KRU]