Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenya Sevens will embark on a 10-day high-performance training camp in Stellenbosch, South Africa, in mid-January as part of their preparations for the start of the World Rugby Sevens Division Two series, which kicks off on February 14–15 at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi.
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) had initially considered entering the team into a competitive tournament early in the new year, but the plan was shelved due tothe proximity of the Division Two opener and the logistical demands involved.
Speaking over the weekend, KRU chief executive officer Thomas Odundo said the South African camp offered a more practical and effective alternative, allowing the team to play high-intensity matches against quality opposition at a lower cost.
“We had to weigh the cost implications involved in travelling for a tournament, where there is also a high probability of players getting injured,” said Odundo.
“Recovery time would be minimal with just a month left to the start of the series, so the camp made more sense.”
Odundo noted that the Stellenbosch camp will be critical in sharpening the squad and improving various facets of play ahead of the physically demanding second-tier series.
“The camp will be vital in upskilling the players and ensuring they are in the right frame for the rigours of the Division Two competition,” he added.
“It will also be an eye-opener as we assess different aspects of the team to ensure the players are well-positioned and ready for the start of the series.”
With Kenya hosting the opening leg in Nairobi, Odundo stressed the importance of a strong start.
“By virtue of us hosting the first tournament, a good start will be key in building momentum heading into the second and third legs in Uruguay and Brazil,” he observed.
The men’s side, Shujaa, will be joined at the Stellenbosch camp by the Kenya Lionesses, with both teams targeting promotion to the top tier of the World Rugby Sevens Series at the end of the season.
In the men’s Division Two competition, Kenya will face the USA, Germany and Uruguay, alongside two teams promoted from Division Three, which will be contested in Dubai in January.
The Lionesses will take on China, Spain and Brazil, as well as two Division Three sides emerging from the Dubai event. At the end of the final round in Brazil, the top four teams from both the men’s and women’s Division Two competitions will advance to a three-leg championship series featuring 12 teams—eight from the top tier and four from Division Two.
The final championship events will be staged in Hong Kong, France and Spain.
