Shujaa to face Fiji, France and Wales in Toulouse 7s Group Stage

The men’s national rugby 7s team, Shujaa, are set to come up against Wales, double Olympic gold medalists Fiji and home favourites France in Pool B of the Toulouse 7s tournament set to be held this weekend 20-22 May at the Stade Ernest-Wallon in France.

In the seventh outing of the 2021/2022 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Circuit, Shujaa will have new management taking charge of the team in Toulouse after Englishman Damian McGrath was appointed to take over from the fired Innocent ‘Namcos’ Simiyu with Mwamba RFC head coach Kevin Wambua named as his assistant.

Kenya 7s coach Innocent Simiyu fired

Currently sitting in 10th position on the standings out of the 16 sides, Shujaa will be looking to bounce back off disappointing outings in their last three tournaments where they finished 11th in Singapore, 15th in Vancouver before a lackluster show in the 2022 Africa Men’s 7s Cup where they battled to a third placed finish.

Since teams reverted back to the 16 team format in the third outing in Malaga, Shujaa have not managed to get out of the group stages after managing to get to the main cup quarter finals in the first two 12-team legs both held in Dubai.

The national team will open proceedings against Fiji on Friday afternoon before taking on France deep at night for their two pool games on day one. They will then face Wales in the final pool clash on Saturday afternoon.

Pool A has Vancouver 7s winners Argentina who have been grouped alongside England, Canada and Japan.

Pool C will see Australia battle New Zealand, Scotland and Mike Friday’s USA. Pool D will see current Series leaders South Africa lock horns with Ireland, Samoa and Spain.

Shujaa Schedule

Friday 20 May

Fiji vs Kenya 1534 EAT

France vs Kenya 2305 EAT

Saturday 21 May

Wales vs Kenya 1512 EAT

Toulouse 7s Groups

Pool A: Argentina, England, Canada, Japan

Pool B: Fiji, France, Wales, Kenya

Pool C: Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, USA

Pool D: Samoa, South Africa, Ireland, Spain

Shujaa Travelling Squad

Nelson Oyoo (Topfry Nakuru, Captain), Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequin), Alvin Otieno (KCB), Collins Shikoli (Homeboyz), Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Timothy Mmasi (Masinde Muliro), Tony Omondi (Mwamba), Johnstone Olindi (KCB), Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba), Edmond Anya (Impala Saracens), Augustine Lugonzo (Homeboyz), Archadius Khwesa (Blak Blad, debut), Ben Salem (Nondescripts, debut) Non Travelling Reserves: Levy Amunga (KCB), Jeffrey Oluoch (Homeboyz), Amon Wamalwa (Homeboyz)