KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai calls for patience after Kenya 7s poor performance

Kenya 7's dismal performance in Hong Kong demonstrated the need for significant work for the side. They lost all their pool matches against New Zealand (29-5), Ireland (26-14), and South Africa (26-17). Their final game against hosts Hong Kong in the 13th place playoff ended in a 19-10 loss. Prior to this, they had suffered a 26-12 defeat in the ninth-place quarterfinals against Samoa.

This series of poor performances saw the team knocked out of the Hong Kong 7s. Kenya is currently placed 13th in the 2022/23 World Rugby Sevens Series with 30 points after managing just a point in Hong Kong. This performance was a drop from Vancouver’s leg when they picked up seven solid points.

As they seek to regroup and come back stronger for the next tournament, Singapore 7s, Mozzart Sport caught up with newly elected KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai on his plans to revive the once flourishing team. Mutai called for patience from fans.

“You don’t expect miracles. A lot has to happen for the team to perform better at the top level,” Sasha urged.

The former Kenya 7s director also stated that the boys need to be comfortable and focused in order to perform well.

Shujaa handed lifeline in Singapore 7s after landing Uruguay, France and the USA

“We have to be in the camp for at least a week or two before the final leg. Most likely in France. The environment has to be good for the boys to just focus and put in the work. We will do all we can to ensure they are comfortable and focused,” Mutai revealed.

He also said that there was an urgent need to invest in the technical personnel for Shujaa, “There is also a need for technical help for Kenya 7s. We will do that soon.”

With that, it is safe to say Kenya 7s could survive relegation this season, and fans need to expect better tidings next season. Shujaa only have three legs to play and they hope to make an impact.

Damian Mc Grath’s charges will have yet another uphill task in Singapore 7s. They have been placed in Pool C alongside France, USA, and Uruguay.

How relegation will be decided

Kenya Rugby Union urged to invest in young talent to revive Kenya 7s success

The 15th-ranked core team based on accumulated series points following the tenth round in Toulouse will be relegated. The teams ranked 12th, 13th, and 14th at the end of Toulouse will enter a four-team relegation play-off together with the Challenger Series 2023 winners at the eleventh and final round of the Series in London.

The relegation play-off will be a round-robin format with the top teams then playing a final. The winner will become the 12th core team in the 2024 series, while the other three teams will enter their respective Regional Sevens Championships in order to qualify for the 2024 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. The Challenger Series will continue to provide a pathway for teams to qualify for the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Singapore 7s pools

Pool A: New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong

Pool B: Fiji, Spain, Samoa, Canada

Pool C: France, USA, Uruguay, Kenya

Pool D: GB, Argentina, Ireland, Japan