By Tony Kipkorir
The organizers of the Safari 7s 2024 have announced the teams that will compete in the much-awaited rugby tournament.
The Kenyan national team Shujaa, Zimbabwe and Uganda headline the men’s category in the list which was released on Monday by the Kenya Rugby Union.
Besides Shujaa, the other confirmed teams include Kenya Morans, Qatar, Shogun, and Red Wailers. The Kenya Varsity Select, 2024 SportPesa 7s overall winners Kenya Harlequins FC and Lions Rugby will also be in contention.
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In the women’s category, five teams including the Kenya Lionesses, Uganda, Shogun, Kenya Cubs and Costa Blanca Barbarians will compete for the top prize.
The event is set to be held at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County between October 11 and October 13. This will be the first time in history that the prestigious tournament will be held outside the capital city of Nairobi.
According to the organizers, the decision to change the hosting venue was made to give the entire rugby fraternity, particular fans a wholesome experience.
“This year’s edition promises to elevate the entire rugby fraternity by breaking away from the traditional Nairobi setting.
Machakos emerges as the ideal host, offering a contemporary ambiance and is feasible for fans and players as accommodation and other essential services are easily available,” read part of the statement from KRU.
Shujaa and Uganda Lady Cranes will be seeking to defend their titles which they won in the 2023 edition that was played at the RFUEA grounds.
Shujaa, who have already qualified for next season’s HSBC World Rugby Series, emerged victorious after hammering Samurai Barracudas 19-0.
On the other hand, the Ugandan women narrowly overcame Kenya Lionesses 15-13.
Safari 7s 2024 Teams
Men’s Teams: Shujaa, Morans, Zimbabwe, Kenya Harlequin, Kenya Varsity Select, Qatar, Uganda, Shogun, Lions Rugby, Red Wailers
Women’s Team: Kenya Lionesses, Kenya Cubs, Uganda, Shogun, Costa Blanca Barbarians
ALSO READ: SportPesa launch revolutionary Tujiamini Initiative to nurture talent
Tujiamini is an initiative that seeks to provide a platform, including up to 30M shillings in funding, for individual, team sports and various talent, in a year-long campaign that will go around the country in a move aimed at evoking the sense of pride in Kenya’s sports and talent ecosystem.
Applicants are urged to submit their applications through www.tujiamini.co.ke