Rugby big boys ‘back home’

Senior Kenya Sevens players who missed the last three legs of the World Rugby Sevens have returned to the national team as head coach Felix “Totty” Ochieng named a strong squad for Wellington and Las Vegas legs.

Most of the players opted out over contractual disputes just before the Safaricom Safari Sevens in September last year while some had injuries and work commitments.

Those making a comeback are Mwamba speedster Collins Injera, Lavin Asego and Dan Sikuta from Mwamba and Strathmore University Leos’ prodigy Billy Odhiambo, Michael Wanjala (senior) and Tonny Owuor from Strathmore University Leos.

BEEN OUT

Injera, Owuor, Wanjala and Owuor missed the Gold Coast, Dubai and Port Elizabeth legs due to contractual issues. Sikuta, who had stayed out over similar issues, returned for Dubai but missed Port Elizabeth due to studies while Odhiambo was on reserve list in the last two legs.

Asego has not been picked since the 2013 Rugby World Cup in Moscow while Kenya Harlequin’s Felix Ayange, who also missed the last three legs, is making a comeback having recovered from a shoulder operation.

Ochieng has dropped seven players who were in Paul Treu’s squad for Dubai and Port Elizabeth legs last December. They are Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Michael Wanjala-junior (Homeboyz), Samson Onsomu (Impala), Dennis Muhanji (Quins) Leonard Mugaisi (Homeboyz) and Alex Olaba (Strathmore).

“The players know that we are not where we are supposed to be in the World Series and are focused to give their best,” said Ochieng. Kenya is placed 14th with 11 points after reaching the Shield finals in Gold Coast and Dubai and Bowl final in Port Elizabeth.

BOADROOM BATTLES

Kenya Airways CEO Mbuvi Ngunze noted that happenings at the union were hurting the game. “We expect transparency inside and outing KRU board,” said Ngunze. “You must remove your battles from the public domain. We shall remain committed to the game but we want to see the results and our partners expect the same,”  he added.