Kenya 7s coach McGrath optimistic ahead of Toulouse and London assignments

RUGBY Kenya 7s coach McGrath optimistic ahead of Toulouse and London assignments

Abigael Wafula 20:42 - 05.05.2023

Shujaa will open their campaign against Uruguay who are 11th placed in the Toulouse lag scheduled for May 12 to 14.

Kenya Sevens head coach Damian McGrath believes the 15-man squad he has selected for the Toulouse and London legs of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series is capable of salvaging them from relegation.

McGrath said the squad is experienced and they are aware of what is needed of them. He added that they will give their best shot to avoid repeating mistakes and hopefully, this time round, bring back home positive results.

“We picked a very solid and experienced squad…the best we could get. The boys understand what’s at stake and we are going to play to our best. Our main focus is to eradicate our mistakes,” he said.

He added that they have a plan and they hope it will work in their favour as they face off against strong opponents.

“Our mistakes have cost us a lot but this time round we have come up with a plan which we plan to execute and hopefully, things turn out well for us,” he said.

The squad includes team captain Nelson Oyoo and co-captain Herman Humwa. Edmund Anya and the trio of Brian Tanga, Johnstone Olindi, and Alvin Otieno will also be beef up the squad.

Others in the squad include Kevin Wekesa, Jeffrey Oluoch, John Okoth, George Ooro, Daniel Taabu and Dennis Abukuse. Billy Odhiambo, Ronald Omondi and Tony Omondi are also in the mix.

Shujaa are currently placed 13th in the standings and the 15th-ranked core team based on accumulated Series points following the tenth round in Toulouse will be relegated.

The teams ranked 12th, 13th, and 14th at the end of Toulouse will enter a four-team relegation play-off together with the Challenger Series 2023 winners at the eleventh and final round of the Series in London.

The Toulouse leg is scheduled for next week Friday, May 12, and will run until Sunday, May 14. Shujaa will open their campaign against Uruguay who are 11th placed. The final London leg is set for May 20 and 21.