Kenya 7s ace details benefits of joining inaugural Rugby Premier League
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 16.05.25. | 16:49
RPL aims to revolutionize the sevens format both on and off the field, focusing on performance, entertainment, and commercialization
Kenya Sevens sensation Patrick Odongo is set to make his mark on the global franchise stage with star-studded Delhi Redz for the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL) next month.
This is the first-ever franchise-based rugby sevens tournament.
The event is scheduled to take place from Sunday, 1 to Sunday, 15 June at the Mumbai Football Arena in India.
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The 22-year-old speedster from Daystar Falcons, who played a key role in helping Kenya qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics and regain their core status in the HSBC SVNS Series, will now share the field with some of the biggest names in international rugby.
“I was very happy because I know it is a great opportunity for a rising player like me. I am still in my growing phase, and I can say this call will help me grow,” Odongo said in an interview with sports journalist Stephen Ochieng.
The RPL, backed by World Rugby, brings together an elite pool of 30 international marquee players. It aims to revolutionize the sevens format both on and off the field, focusing on performance, entertainment, and commercialization.
Odongo’s Delhi Redz squad includes Olympic bronze medalist Matías Osadczuk of Argentina, fresh off a hat trick in the HSBC SVNS Vancouver 2024 final. Joining him are fellow Argentinian Matteo Graziano, Spain’s scrum-half Alejandro Laforga, and Irish flyer Jordan Conroy, known for his explosive pace.
The lineup also features Canada’s Thomas Richards, Hong Kong’s Michael Coverdale, and Germany’s Moritz Noll. Top Indian talents include Rajdeep Saha and Deepak Punia, who will all be eager to raise the profile of the host's rugby.
The Redz will be guided by legendary All Blacks Sevens icon Tomasi Cama, a former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year and Commonwealth and World Cup winner. With his experience now at the helm, the team is being tipped as one of the tournament favourites.
For Odongo, the tournament will serve as a platform for personal growth.
“From the tournament, I will learn new things that I will add to my charts of how I play. It is going to be a camp where we exchange culture and skills. I am ready to learn from players with bigger names, and I know when I come back to Kenya, I’ll be better,” he offered.
What further excited the youngster is the thought of experiencing India for the first time, including the country’s famously spicy food.
“I am excited to eat pilipili (pepper). I know I will put in the work and everything will be good,” he revealed.
Odongo also had a message for his new teammates and fans in India.
“For my people in Delhi, thank you for selecting me to be part of your team. I will bring my best on board, and I know we will win this tournament,” he concluded.
