All you need to know about 2023 Safari 7s

The 2023 edition of the annual Safari 7s tournament kicked off on Friday 17 and will run until Sunday 19 November at the RFUEA Grounds. The event started with the age grade category, with the senior category set to kick off on Saturday 18.

The tournament will be making a comeback following a two-year hiatus. The last edition was held in October 2021 at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa, are the tournament's defending champions. The gentlemen put their best foot forward in the last edition to see off persistent Germany 12-5 in the finals. Kenya Morans settled for third place to claim silver following a hard-earned 12-5 win over the Red Wailers.

Kenya Under 20 national team; Chipu missed out on the podium place after going down 33-21 to arch-rivals Spain.

Kenya Lionesses whitewashed Uganda Lady Cranes 26-0 to win the women's category.

The tournament returns at a time when the Kenya Rugby Union is enjoying a newly elected board, as well as the Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa earning a direct spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Shujaa defeated South Africa 17-12 in the finals of the Africa Men's 7s tournament that was played in Harare, Zimbabwe. All these unfoldings are expected to wow the fans.

Kenya Sevens will use this weekend's tournament as a build-up for the 2024 Challenger Series. They stepped up their training sessions with a residential camp in the last two weeks.

Vincent Onyala retained skipper duties and he will be assisted by Anthony Omondi. The team is littered with talent that includes Africa Men's 7s top try scorers Patrick Odongo and John Okoth, youngster Nygel Amaitsa, 2023 Impala Floodlights Most Valuable Player Festus Shiasi, and Brian Mutugi of Mwamba RFC.

They will kick off their title defense with a match against South Africa All Stars at 11:46 AM.

The Kenya Morans squad is also star-studded with the likes of Gabriel Ayimba who will be looking to follow in the steps of his late dad Benjamin Ayimba who led Kenya 7s to the 2016 Singapore 7s. Talented scrum-half Ronnie Omondi, halfback Cornelius Mokoro, and Richard Omedo of Strathmore Leos made the cut.

Speaking on behalf of the team, co-captain Elvis Olukusi pointed out that they were looking to showcase their true Moran spirit when they tackle their opponents. Olukusi who celebrated his birthday on Friday promised the fans a run for their money.

"We’ve had a very long season preparing for safari sevens. Now it's time to deliver. Fans expect to be entertained. Nothing less," the birthday boy offered.

The Morans will open their hunt with a match against Western Province Select at 9:58 am.

The ladies' category promises to be even more exciting, with the Kenya Lionesses set to battle it out with their teammates; the Cubs. TUKS 7s, and Tropic 7s will also compete.

Kenya Morans' ace hoping to wow at Safari 7s

Lionesses will square off with TUKS 7s in the second match of the day slated for 8:52 am.

Safari 7s Pools

Pool A: Shujaa, Red Wailers, Uganda, SA All Stars, Tropic 7s

Pool B: Germany, Morans, Samurai, KCB, Western Province Select

Women: Lionesses, Uganda, TUKS 7s, Cubs, Tropic 7s

Kenya squads to Safari 7s

Shujaa: Vincent Onyala (Co-Captain), Kevin Wekesa, John Okoth, Herman Humwa, William Mwanji, Samuel Asati, Anthony Omondi (Co-Captain), Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo, Festus Shiasi, Brian Tanga, Brian Mutugi

Morans: Elvis Olukusi (Co-Captain), Barnabas Owuor, Gabriel Ayimba, Richard Omedo, Stephen Sikuta, Ronnie Omondi, Ben Salem, Chrisant Ojwang’( Co-Captain), Lamec Ambesta, Austine Sikutwa, Cornelius Mokoro, Floyd Wabwire

Lionesses: Sheila Chajira, Moreen Muritu, Phoebe Akinyi, Clarice Mutambi, Terry Ayesa, Ann Goretti, Edith Nariaka, Sinaida Mokaya, Naomi Amuguni, Nicole Hawi, Maureen Chebet, Diana Awino

Cubs: Naomi Jelagat, Diana Kemunto, Knight Otwoma, Winnie Owino, Diana Omosso, Freshia Awino, Celestine Dodo, Faith Livoi, Valentine Wafula, Margaret Wangui, Ann Namnyak, Zuhura Asman