Ashiundu in line for debut as Onyala makes comeback in Shujaa travelling squad to Spain

Kabras Sugar’s Derrick Ashiundu is set to make his debut at the World Rugby Sevens Series Circuit after being included in the 13-man travelling squad that will represent the men’s national 7s rugby team, Shujaa, in the upcoming third and fourth legs of the HSBC Series that are scheduled for Malaga and Seville in Spain.

In the team released by head coach Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu, KCB’s Vincent Onyala has also made his comeback to the team after missing the opening two rounds of the 2021/2022 Series due to engagements with the national 15s side, Kenya Simbas.

In the spirit of consistency, Kelvin Wekesa and Tony Omondi have been retained after their debut in the season opening Dubai 7s tournament while common house names like Nelson Oyoo, who is the captain, Alvin ‘Buffa’ Otieno, Herman Humwa, Billy ‘The Kid’ Odhiambo and Jeff Oluoch among others have also maintained their places in the team.

Speaking to Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), assistant team captain Oluoch lauded the side for picking up the pace since the 3rd of January when the team resumed their training in camp after breaking briefly for the December festivities.

“It feels good to be back after the holidays, first few days were a bit heavy but we got the hang of it as the days kept passing by. Right now the boys are looking sharp and ready for the task at hand,” offered the Homeboyz player.

Shujaa land in Pool D for maiden Malaga 7s

Shujaa are in Pool D for the Malaga tournament and will begin their campaign with a clash against Canada at 1.22pm EAT on Friday 21 January 2022 before taking on Wales at 6.06pm EAT the same day. They will complete their pool clashes with a clash against France at 1.49pm EAT on Saturday 22 January 2022.

The Malaga 7s will take place from 21-23 January while the Seville 7s will take place from 28-30 January.

Shujaa squad to Malaga

Nelson Oyoo ( Topfry Nakuru, captain), Jeff Oluoch (Homeboyz), Vincent Onyala (KCB), Kelvin Wekesa ( Kabras Sugar), Alvin Otieno (KCB), Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequin), Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Tony Omondi (Mwamba), Johnstone Olindi (KCB), Daniel Taabu (Mwamba), Levi Amunga (KCB), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar, debut), Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba)

Non Travelling Reserves: Alvin Marube ( Resolution Impala Saracens), Ben Salem (Nondescripts), Timothy Mmasi (Masinde Muliro), Zeden Marrow (Homeboyz)