The men’s national rugby 7s team, Shujaa, has learned its opponents for the upcoming Dubai 7s tournament which will take place from November 30 to December 1.
Shujaa will return to the series after missing last season, having reclaimed their core spot during the 2024 Challenger Series final in Madrid after defeating Germany 33-15.
The team, coached by Kevin Wambua, has been placed in a tough pool alongside Olympic champions France, defending champions South Africa and 2021 finalists Australia.
In Pool A, Argentina, the 2024 World Series League overall champions, will face Ireland, Great Britain, and Uruguay who also joined Kenya in the promotion to the Series this season.
In Pool C, two-time Dubai 7s champions Fiji will face strong opponents New Zealand along with Spain and the USA.
After the Dubai leg, the 12-team tournament will move to Cape Town for the second round from 7-8 December.
Following a successful debut as hosts in 2024, the festival atmosphere will return to Australia’s west coast for the third round at HBF Park in Perth from January 24-26, 2025.
Vancouver will then host the fourth round from February 21-23 before the HSBC Hong Kong Sevens hosts the fifth outing from 28-30 March.
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Shujaa head into the Series on the back of rocky preparations owing to contract issues.
SportPesa Blog confirmed on Tuesday that several players already resumed training after their contract dispute was settled by the Kenya Rugby Union. However, the senior players were not part of the team yet.
The players currently in training include Dennis Abukuse, Lameck Ambetsa, Benson Salem, Floyd Wabwire, Brian Mutua, Augustine Owino, Philip Okeyo, Michael Wamalwa, Brian Ondego, Elvis Olukusi, and rookie Jackson Siketi.
They are joined by Daniel Taabu, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo, William Mwanji, and Samuel Asati.
However, key players missing included Tony Omondi, Kevin Wekesa, George Ooro, Chrisant Ojwang and Vincent Onyala.
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2024 DUBAI 7S POOLS
MEN POOLS
Pool A
France, South Africa, Australia, Kenya
Pool B
Argentina, Ireland, Great Britain, Uruguay
Pool C
Fiji, New Zealand, USA, Spain
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