Collins Injera, Oscar Ouma return as Simiyu names squad for Wellington 7s

Collins Injera celebrates his World Rugby Sevens Series 231st try at London Sevens on Saturday that made him the all-time top try scorer in the tournament. PHOTO | MARTIN SERAS |

What you need to know:

  • Other big boys Oscar Ouma, Bush Mwale, Eden Agero and Sammy Oliech were also named in the 13-man team and are poised to make their first international appearances this season.

All-time World Rugby Sevens Series top try scorer Collins Injera has made a return to the Kenya squad named yesterday by coach Innocent Simiyu for the Wellington and Sydney legs of the tournament.

Other big boys Oscar Ouma, Bush Mwale, Eden Agero and Sammy Oliech were also named in the 13-man team and are poised to make their first international appearances this season.

In all, Simiyu made five changes to the team that played in the first two legs of the Series in Dubai and South Africa as he searches for another elusive leg win by Kenya.

Simiyu lauded the return of Injera and Ouma saying they would inject the experience and leadership needed in the team”.

“Our team selection was guided by the players’ condition and past performance and I believe we’ve picked the best. Our key goal is to address our game management and kicking,” he said.

“Experience has been key for us and Oscar and Collins brings leadership.”

Skipper Andrew Amonde also praised the return of Injera:  “Collins (Injera) is a very brilliant player and it’s great to have him back. Everything has been perfect from training to payments and I believe we will do well.”

Team manager Erick Ogweno said: “There is a provision this season to field a 13th player and it’s for this reason that we have named 13 players.”

Ogweno said they did not fear any of their opponents as they have played against some of them in the past.

Kenya are in a tough Pool A in the Wellington leg that has Cape Town Sevens winners England, Argentina, who lost in the Challenge Trophy final in South Africa and invitation side Papua New Guinea.

The leg is scheduled for January 28 to 29.

Kenya have a hill to climb against England, who beat them in their three meetings last season.

Kenya faced Argentina four times last season, winning only one encounter, 15-13, at Singapore Sevens Cup semi-final.

The team leaves for New Zealand on Sunday.

FULL SQUAD

Andrew Amonde (captain),Willy Ambaka, Oscar Ouma, Dan Sikuta, Bush Mwale, Brian Tanga, Leonard Mugaisi, Eden Agero, Augustine Lugonzo, Sammy Oliech, Billy Odhiambo, Collins Injera, Nelson Oyoo.

Officials
Innocent Simiyu (head coach), Ian Gibbons (Strength and Conditioning), Lameck Bogonko (Physio),Erick Ogweno (team manager)