Shock as Kenya pull out of Dubai Invitational Sevens

Kenya Sevens in action at Dubai Sevens Series last year.[Courtesy-World Rugby]

Kenya Sevens and Kenya Lionesses were dealt a big blow on Friday evening after the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) pulled out the two national rugby teams from the 2023 Dubai Invitational Sevens tournament set to kick off on Friday.

The union issued a late statement on Thursday stating that the teams will not travel as planned due to logistical challenges.

"We regret to inform you that the Kenya Sevens men and women national squads will not be able to honor their fixtures at the 2023 Dubai 7s. The teams were slated to play in the International Invitational Category in Dubai.

“Unfortunately, logistical challenges have negatively impacted their travel itinerary, rendering the trip to Dubai impossible at this point in time," read the statement from KRU chairman Sasha Mutai.

Shujaa were assigned to Group C in the men’s International Invitation Category, where they were to compete alongside Speranza 22, R10C Selects, and Wailers.

Kenya were pooled against R1OC Selects in their first match at 2:40pm today. Tomorrow, they were to play Wailers at 2:20pm before concluding their pool stage with a clash against Speranza 22 at 5pm on the same day.

Meanwhile, Kenya Lionesses also lost a chance to play Ireland Invitational, USA Falcons, Rhino Stompers, and French Militaire Sevens in Group B. Lionesses lost both the Africa Sevens title and Safari Sevens title in their last two outings.