Tank names youngsters to 15s squad

The national sevens team players have been left out of the national 15s squad that will prepare for a series of international matches this season.

Coach Michael “Tank” Otieno has also given seven Under-21 players an opportunity to earn their first international capping in the 35-strong 15s team.

The move to exclude the sevens players is deliberate as the technical bench focuses on building an exclusive 15s squad. However, Otieno was quick to point out that some of them could be considered in June after the International Rugby Board (IRB) World Sevens Circuit is over.

“We shall always incorporate those whom we deem appropriate,” said Otieno, adding that his focus is on building a strong 15s side. He said the inclusion of the youngsters is part of the preparations for the 2015 World Cup.

“Most of them will be 25 years old, hence a good foundation.”

The youngsters prominently featured for Kenya during the U-21 Junior World Rugby Trophy held in Nairobi last April.

Otieno’s blend of youngsters comprise Strathmore winger Felix Ayange, younger brother of national sevens team kingpins Collins Injera and Humphrey Kayange, and his Strathmore mate fly half Kenny Andola, and Impala’s centre Kevin Gisore and scrum half Michael “Kiki” Mugo.

Also set for an international debut in the senior level are Kenya Harlequin centre Dennis Muhanji, KCB flanker Ken Isindu and Nakuru hooker Simon Warui.

Making a return to the team are fullback Jay Williams (Nondies) and Impala prop Nzioka Muema.

SQUAD:

Props: Nzioka Muema (Impala), Edwin Alubaka (KCB), Lawrence Terer (Impala), David Abenga  (Impala), Daniel Kiptoo (Quins); Hookers: Vincent On’gera (Quins) Simon Warui (Nakuru);
Locks: Wilson K’Opondo (Mean Machine), Mike Aung (Nondies), George Odipo (Quins), Ronny Mwenesi (KCB);
Flankers: Ken Isindu (KCB), Nick Lang’o (Nakuru), David Mogere (Quins), Kevin Umbuge (Impala);
Eightmen: Lawrence Buyachi (Impala), Gray Cullen (Nondies), Duncan Ekasi (Impala);
Scrumhalves: Peter Mutai (KCB), Michael Mugo (Impala), Charles Kanyi (Nondies);
Flyhalves: Ken Andola (Strathmore), Nato Simiyu (Impala), Jotham Yahuma (KCB);
Centres: Kelvin Omiyo (Impala), Bobby Oyugi (Nondies), Kevin Gisore (Impala), Dennis Muhanji (Quins);
Wingers: Felix Ayange (Strathmore), William Ambaka (Quins), Calvins Biko (KCB), Graham Kombo (Nakuru), Leon Adongo (Quins); Fullbacks: Vincent Mose (Impala), Jay Williams (Nondies)