Shujaa travelling squad named as Damian McGrath is unveiled as new head coach

The men's national rugby 7s team, Shujaa, have named a 13 man travelling squad that will take part in the 7th and 8th legs of the 2021/2022 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Circuit taking place in Toulouse and London respectively for the next two weekends.

At the squad naming event, Englishman Damian McGrath, who takes over from the fired Innocent 'Namcos' Simiyu, was officially unveiled as the new boss at the helm with Kevin Wambua being his assistant.

In Toulouse and London, Nelson Oyoo will captain the squad that has dished out two debuts to Blak Blad's Archadius Khwesa and Nondescript's Ben Salem.

Fan favourite Alvin 'Buffa' Otieno has also been included in the squad that has seen Johnstone Olindi recalled back to the team.

Speaking at the unveiling, McGrath spoke about his motivation to take up the job at the helm of Shujaa, saying, “Shujaa have such a fabulous reputation around the world of rugby, particularly sevens, it is such an exciting team with lots of talent and potential, so when the opportunity came, I grabbed it with both hands.”

“It is a big honor to be asked to take over the tenure for whatever length of time. It is an honor for me, but my family and friends are very proud that I have got the opportunity," he added.

“My reputation has always been built on doing the basics very well, and if we can get the basics to go with the flair and the natural of the Kenyan players, I hope that we can have some success,” concluded McGrath.

Shujaa Travelling Squad

Nelson Oyoo, Herman Humwa, Alvin 'Buffa' Otieno, Collins Shikoli, Bush Mwale, Timothy Mmasi, Tony Omondi, Johnstone Olindi, Billy Odhiambo, Edmund Anya, Augustin Lugonzo, Archadius Khwesa*, Ben Salem*.