5th Leg – World Rugby Sevens World Series
4th – 6th March 2016 – Las Vegas
Vancouver Sevens: 11th – 12th March 2016
The team to represent Kenya at the fifth leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series in Las Vegas on 4-6 March and Vancouver 7s the weekend after was named by assistant Coach Paul Murunga in Nairobi.
The named team reflects four changes from the squad that did duty at the Wellington 7s and inaugural Sydney 7s on 30th to 31st January and 6th -7th February respectively.
Once again KCB’s Andrew Amonde will lead the team out, to be assisted by Mwamba’s Collins Injera.
Long over due, Impala’s menacing full back Sammy Oliech makes the squad and will be the only debutant.
The raucous crowds at Las Vegas will joyfully watch his high rising catches, speed from deep and he comes in as an alternate kicker as he has been sure with the boot while on club matters.
Biko Adema, the star at Sydney 7s Oscar Ayodi, Billy Odhiambo, Willy Ambaka, Humphrey Kayange and Oscar Ouma also make the squad.
Augustine Lugonzo and Leonard Mugaisi from Homeboyz who missed the Wellington and Sydney 7s are back in the squad.
Also in the squad for the first time this season is the powerful Dennis Ombachi from Mwamba who has been impressive at club level in recent weeks.
Due to rotation, Nelson Oyoo and Don Aluoch from Top Fry Nakuru as well as Eden Agero and Bush Mwale missed out on the squad. While Agero drops to the non travelling reserve list, Mwale was rule out due to injury.
Last year, the squad to Vegas (and Wellington 7s the weekend before) was led by Andrew Amonde. Lavin Asego, Dan Sikuta (all Mwamba) as well as Billy Odhiambo, Tony Owuor, Mike Wanjala and Tony Onyango (got injured before the trip to be replaced by Leonard Mugaisi, Oscar Ayodi, Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Patrice Agunda, Felix Ayange (Kenya Harlequins) also represented Kenya 7s at Las Vegas.
Collins Injera who had earlier been named for both legs however dropped out after the Wellington leg due to family commitments.
He was replaced by Quins centre Dennis Muhanji.
The team then coached by Felix Toti Ochieng and assisted by Vuyo Zangqa went on to win the Bowl at Vegas.
In the upcoming Las Vegas event, Kenya will contest Pool A with Russia, New Zealand and Portugal.
The team starts off its games against Russian in the second game of the tournament coming right after New Zealand versus Portugal.
Portugal will come next for Kenya before they finish off the pool game with New Zealand.
The team departs on Sunday 28th February and is set to return on Thursday 17th March 2016.
Kenya Squad to 2015/16 Las Vegas 7s & Vancouver 7s:
Biko Adema (Nondies), Billy Odhiambo (Strathmore Leos), Andrew Amonde (KCB, Captain), Oscar Ouma (Top Fry Nakuru), Willy Ambaka (Kenya Harlequins), Humphrey Kayange, Collins Injera, Dennis Ombachi, (Mwamba), Sammy Oliech (Impala Saracens), Augustine Lugonzo, Leonard Mugaisi,Oscar Ayodi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz)
None travelling reserves:
Eden Agero (Kenya Harlequins) , Samuel Motari, Robert Aringo (Impala Saracens)
Script attributed to Ruga House
