60,000 fans expected in rugby tournament

Kenya Moran's Leonard Mugaisi is tackled by Botswana players during Safaricom Safari Sevens tournament at Moi International Sports Centre, on September 21, 2013. The tournament director Godwin Karuga said plans to host the championships are complete and close to 60,000 fans are expected. PHOTO| CHRIS OMOLLO

By  AYUMBA AYODI

What you need to know:

  • The 25-year-old, who plays on the wing, fly half and fullback in 15s and halfback in 7s, is the first Fijian of Indian ancestry, and also the first Rotuman to represent New Zealand in Sevens rugby
  • Tournament director Godwin Karuga said plans to host the championships are complete and close to 60,000 fans are expected, surpassing last year’s turnout of 50,000

Safaricom Safari Sevens tournament director Godwin Karuga said plans to host the championships are complete and close to 60,000 fans are expected, surpassing last year’s turnout of 50,000.

“Last year we had 50,000 turning up on Saturday and 30,000 on Sunday but these figures should skyrocket this year,” Karuga said.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s organisational capacity will face a litmus test after the country placed in a bid to host a round of the HSBC Sevens World Series beginning in the 2015/16 season.

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“We have invited IRB officials to come here and assess the event first hand with the hope that they will give an approval,” said Karuga. IRB president Bernard Lapasset is among the invited guests.

ARRIVALS

Argentina, Icon from Australia, New Zealand’s Auckland and Samurai will be the first teams to arrive on Tuesday for this year’s Safaricom Safari Sevens starting Friday at the Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani.

The Pumas, who will be bringing their full IRB Sevens squad, are due to at 2.45pm aboard Emirate Airlines at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Spain and newcomers Germany are expected tomorrow at 2.45pm while debutantes Welsh Warriors from the United Kingdom will jet in Wednesday at 6:20am aboard Kenya Airways.

ROCKY KHAN

Auckland is the latest side to name their squad that will be skippered by All Blacks Sevens utility back Rocky Khan.

The 25-year-old, who plays on the wing, fly half and fullback in 15s and halfback in 7s, is the first Fijian of Indian ancestry, and also the first Rotuman to represent New Zealand in Sevens rugby.

Khan, who recently played for Auckland at the World Club 7s, made his international debut for All Blacks at the 2013 Wellington Sevens.

Invitational sides Western Province, Sharks, Golden Lions and Boland from South Africa are due Thursday at 5.50am aboard Kenya Airways plane while the other newcomers from United Kingdom, Suzuki Wailers are due the same day at 6.20am.

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