Kenya optimistic of getting an IRB Circuit leg soon
Kenya Morans players appreciate applause from the crowd on September 28, 2014 during the Safaricom Sevens Rugby tournament at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium. Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Mwangi Muthee maintained his optimism that Kenya has a shot at the bid to host IRB World Sevens Series in 2015/2016. PHOTO| CHRIS OMOLLO| NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- This year’s tournament tested Kenya’s organisational capacity as the country awaits the outcome of their bid to host one of the IRB World Sevens Series in 2015/2016
- Treu and Gomez had their work cut out as they prepare to name their teams this week ahead of Gold Coast
- Kenya will face South Africa, Wales and America Samoa in Pool B while Argentina have England, Canada and USA in Pool D
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Mwangi Muthee maintained his optimism that Kenya has a shot at the bid to host IRB World Sevens Series.
“The aspect of quality and security cannot be questioned and that has enhanced our chances of winning the bid to host an IRB event,” said Mwangi Muthee.
This year’s Safaricom Safari Sevens tournament, held at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium during the weekend, tested Kenya’s organisational capacity as the country awaits the outcome of their bid to host one of the IRB World Sevens Series in 2015/2016.
He added that Africa is IRB’s new frontier for development hence Kenya must keep improving its competition. “We might get a leg next year or in two years’ time hence we must be ready at all time.
SECURE STADIUM
“So far our bid to host an IRB leg has been strengthened with the general improvement of infrastructure including a big arena, renovations at Kasarani, good security and the quality of competition.”
One of the demands of the IRB is that all tournaments must be staged in a secure stadium.
At the same time, the Safari Sevens tournament gave Kenya rugby coach Paul Treu and his Argentinean counterpart Santiago Gomez a good stage to test their systems as they prepare for Gold Coast due October 11-12.
Champions Welsh Warriors had Wales Sevens players in their squad, Samurai travelled with a few Fijian internationals while Auckland had All Blacks players.
Welsh Warriors, who had the tournament’s most valuable player Matt Turner, rallied from behind 5-17 to floor Argentina 24-17 in the final.
2013 champions Shujaa lost to Auckland 12-14 in Plate final. Shujaa had beaten Kenya Simba Saba 17-14 in the Plate semis.
LINEOUT-REFINE
Treu and Gomez had their work cut out as they prepare to name their teams this week ahead of Gold Coast. Kenya will face South Africa, Wales and America Samoa in Pool B while Argentina have England, Canada and USA in Pool D.
Treu acknowledged that he will have to refine his team’s lineout and penalty systems if they will have to compete effectively against the best at the IRB World Sevens Series.
“I had four issues that I put into practice coming to Nairobi and I am satisfied they came out clear and well,” said Gomez, but declined to state the issues.
