Kenya’s Morans withdraw from Assupol Sevens

The Kenya Morans have withdrawn their participation from this year’s Assupol Sevens that was set for this weekend in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) announced the decision on Friday, saying the unexpected declaration of Wednesday as a public holiday meant on Wednesday delays in visa processing ahead of the tournament.

“The team’s visas could only be finalized this morning,thus affecting the team’s scheduled travel originally planned for Friday morning,” KRU said in a statement.

Attempts to secure later flights to South Africa ended in vain, forcing the national body to withdraw the side from the tournament.

“The Kenya Rugby Union Board regrets this decision occasioned by unforeseen circumstances and will put in place measures to ensure adequate preparations for the Sevens World Series,” KRU added.

The national Sevens Head Coach Innocent Simiyu had indicated the competition would be crucial in exposing new call ups ahead of the 2017/2018 World Sevens Rugby Series that kicks-off with the Dubai Sevens on December 1-2 in United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Focus now shifts to the Safland Sevens tournament in Namibia on November 11-12.