Kenya pooled against N Zealand in Rio Rugby Sevens

Kenya has been drawn against New Zealand in both the men’s and women’s rugby sevens competitions for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games set for August in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in a draw announced Tuesday night.

Being their rugby sevens’ Olympics debut, Shujaa land in Pool C with New Zealand, Great Britain and Japan while the Lionesses find themselves in Pool B with New Zealand, France and Spain.

In both competitions, the top two teams from each pool, and the two best third-placed sides, progress to the quarter-finals.

The match schedule will be announced in due course.

Speaking at the draw, outgoing World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “Today’s announcement represents another exciting milestone on rugby sevens’ road to Rio 2016. Confirmation of the pools brings the competitions to life and adds a further injection of excitement for teams and fans alike.”

“We were determined to return rugby to the Olympic Games because we knew inclusion would be game-changing for our sport. We knew it would open the door to reach and inspire new participants and fans worldwide and enable our top men’s and women’s players to realize their dreams of becoming Olympians, competing alongside the greatest athletes in the world. That dream is now very much a reality and we are excited and honored to be back on sport’s greatest stage.”

Incoming Chairman Bill Beaumont, who takes over on July 1^st, said: “Our top men’s and women’s players are excited about becoming Olympians and representing their nation and our sport at the Olympic Games.”

“As we rapidly approach one month to go, we are anticipating very special and successful rugby sevens events that showcase the very best of our dynamic sport and its character-building values.”

The women’s competition will run from 6^th to 8^th August, paving way for the men’s competition from 9^th to 11^th August.

Men

Pool A: Fiji, USA, Argentina, Brazil

Pool B: South Africa, Australia, France, Spain

Pool C: New Zealand, Great Britain, Kenya, Japan

Women

Pool A: Australia, USA, Fiji, Colombia

Pool B: New Zealand, France, Spain, Kenya

Pool C: Canada, Great Britain, Brazil, Japan

Information drawn from KRU and World Rugby websites.