Shujaa captain Ayodi back for Series homestretch

Captain Oscar Ayodi and Dennis Ombachi have made returns to the national team ahead of the penultimate leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in London from June 2-3.

Ayodi  had been sidelined after sustaining an injury in the second round of the HSBC series in South Africa (Cape town Sevens).

On the other hand, Ombachi has not featured for Shujaa this season and will be relieved after being also being snubbed for the Commonwealth Games.

The duo will replace forwards Oscar Ouma and Dan Sikuta who have been omitted from London tour and the final leg in Paris due to personal commitments.

Impala Saracens fly-half Sammy Oliech was also not lucky,after sustaining an injury in training that sees him sidelined for the remaining legs.

Kabras Sugar halfback Brian Tanga will take up the kicking duties in London and Paris and will be assisted by the ever present Eden Agero of Kenya Harlequins and Augustine Lugonzo of Homeboyz RFC.

Vice-captian Andrew Amonde and Willy Ambaka maintain their place in the Innocent Simiyu coached side.

Others named in the squad are Speedster Collins Injera, Mwamba RFC utility Billy Odhiambo, Nakuru RFC winger Nelson Oyoo,Homeboyz RFC Centre Jeff Oluoch and Oilers RFC youngster Eric Ombasa.

In London , Kenya Sevens are pooled against USA who are coached by former Shujaa tactician Mike Friday hosts England and France in a repeat of the just concluded Singapore 7s pools.

Kenya are set to open the ninth leg of the HSBC sevens series against USA at 1.42 pm on Saturday June 2, before tackling France at 4.48 pm and close the days activity in their  pool matches against England at 8.16 pm.

Shujaa have been able to accumulate 93 points in 8 circuits already played and are tied with fifth placed USA with  points difference separating the two.

Paris will host the final leg of the sevens series on 8-10 June 2018 a week later after the conclusion of the London tour.

Soon after the conclusion of the series Shujaa will shift their focus to USA for the Sevens World Cup set to be held on 20-22 July for Rugby World Cup Sevens at the AT&T Park stadium.

The team is expected to jet out early next week to sharpen on their plays for the remaining two legs.

Kenya Sevens Squad:

1.Oscar Ayodi (Homeboyz RFC) (C) 2.Andrew Amonde (VC) (KCB) 3.Willy Ambaka (Kenya Harlequins) 4.Collins Injera (Mwamba RFC) 5.Billy Odiambo(Mwamba RFC) 6.Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru RFC)7.Dennis Ombachi( Nondiescripts)8.Jeff Oluoch (Homeboyz RFC) 9.Eden Agero(Kenya Harlequins) 10.Augustine Lugonzo (Homeboyz RFC) 11.Eric Ombassa (Oilers RFC) 12.Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequins)13.Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar)