Samurai the headline act at Safari Sevens

The 22nd edition of the annual Safari Sevens tournament returns in the RFUEA grounds for the first time since 2010 from November 9-11.

Eight foreign teams and four local teams are scheduled to play a part in the three-day event with the 2015 champions Samurai International headlining the foreign legion.

So far, only Portugal have arrived in the country with Spain, Apache, Uganda, Uganda II, Namibia and Red Wailers expected to jet in tomorrow.

The defending champions Shujaa, who have nine titles to their name, have been grouped in Pool A alongside 2016 Silver medalists Namibia, Apache and Mwamba.

Spain, Samurai, Red Wailers and Uganda II are in pool B, while Portugal, Uganda, Morans and Homeboyz will battle it out in Pool C.

Kenya Cup side Mwamba RFC has replaced Burkina Faso who withdrew from participating in the Robin Cahill trophy.

Speaking in a Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) presser at the RFUEA grounds, the chair of the Safari Sevens organizing committee, Godwin Karuga, said that they are expecting more than 5000 fans in the tournament.

“The union did not hype this year’s tournament as it has been because of lack of enough funds but we are expecting at least 5000 fans to turn up.

“I’m urging Kenyans across the country to come in large numbers to support our local teams,” Karuga said.

Karuga insisted that there will be no cash prizes to be won but he hinted that KHU will consider that in future, “It is only the trophy, no cash prizes but we are thinking of introducing that in future.”

Motorists using Ngong’ and Joseph Kang’ethe roads are advised to use alternative routes as part of the roads will remain closed during the tournament for security reasons.

Tickets are available on online platform at www.tickets.daitec.co.ke and advanced regular tickets are going for KSH. 1200, 1500/= at the gate, VIP advance for 2500/=, 3000/= at the gate and regular season tickets going for 2000/= and 4500/=.