Jone Kubu set to lead Kenya against native Fiji in historic Singapore7s final

Jone Kubu.©KRU/ Graphics: Pulse Sports

Jone Kubu set to lead Kenya against native Fiji in historic Singapore7s final

Festus Chuma 13:30 - 06.04.2025

Facing Fiji will be emotional for Jone Kubu as he leads Kenya’s Shujaa in the Singapore Sevens Cup final.

The Kenya sevens, Shujaa, will play in the Singapore Sevens Cup final, after seeing off Spain, 12-5, in a tense semi-final on Saturday.

The win not only sealed a spot in the title match but also set up a compelling showdown against Fiji — a team with deep personal connections for one of Shujaa’s stars, Jone Kubu.

Kubu, a Fijian-born playmaker, is poised to face his birth nation for the first time since acquiring Kenyan citizenship.

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The 29-year-old has become a fan favorite and central figure in Shujaa's rise, and Sunday’s final promises an emotional chapter in his remarkable rugby journey.

In the semi-final, Patrick Odongo struck early for Kenya, scoring in the first minute. Nygel Amaitsa converted to make it 7-0, and Odongo added a second try before halftime for a 12-0 lead. Although Spain scored late, a composed clearance from Kubu after the hooter sealed Shujaa’s place in the final.

“I have been playing here for more than five years and I think it was the right time,” Kubu said in a past interview with Nation.

“It would have been a bit hard contesting for spots in the national 15s and sevens teams in Fiji because of the enormous talent there.”

Born on April 18, 1994, in Naitasiri, Fiji, Kubu began playing rugby at six and went on to represent Sawani Primary and Ratu Kadavulevu Secondary School in national competitions.

His early promise was clear, and by 2013, he was signed by Waimanu Rugby Club and later played for Naitasiri Under-20 in Fiji’s prestigious Skipper Cup.

A 2014 trip to Kenya with Samurai International for the Safari Sevens turned out to be life-changing.

Kabras Sugar Rugby Club spotted his talent and recruited him, along with other Fijian players, helping the club to its first Kenya Cup title in 2016.

Initially, Kubu had no intentions of changing nationalities, but Kenya grew on him.

“But days, weeks, months and years passed by and I continued to fall in love with Kakamega, which is now like my second home,” he reflected. “It has a good environment and hospitable people.”

After years of red tape and delays, Kubu finally acquired Kenyan citizenship in 2022, allowing him to don the national jersey.

Jone Kubu (C) Arigi Obiero / Kenya Rugby Union

He quickly earned a call-up from Kenya Simbas coach Paul Odera and starred in the 2023 Rugby World Cup African qualifiers.

“Before getting hold of the ball, Kubu already has crafted two or three moves. That is an ability few players possess,” said Odera.

“The country had laboured to fill in their shoes, but now we have an answer.”

Kubu’s versatility — he plays at both fly half and fullback — has made him invaluable to every team he’s turned out for.

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He was the top try-scorer in the 2021/22 Kenya Cup season and played a pivotal role in Kabras Sugar’s second league title in 2021, scoring 19 points in the final and has since won many trophies with the club.

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