The Kenya Rugby Union has confirmed the national sevens teams Shujaa and Lionesses to the HSBC Challenger 2024 second round in Montevideo, Uruguay.
The men’s team, Shujaa have made five changes to the side that won the cup final at January’s opening round in Dubai.
Dennis Abukuse and Ben Salem return to the side while Lamec Ambetsa, Chrisant Ojwang and Elvis Olukusi are in line for their debuts in South America.
Missing out are Patrick Odongo who top scored with 11 tries in Dubai .
Odongo is recovering from an injury sustained during Daystar Falcons’ KRU Championship 39-12 victory against Kabarak University three weeks ago and Brian Tanga is recovering from illness while Festus Shiasi, William Mwanji and Brian Mutugi are not in the travelling team.
Meanwhile, Japan-based Janet Okello returns for the women’s team, the Lionesses, after missing out on the opening leg in Dubai. Okello, who replaces Diana Kemunto,is the only change to the side that finished second in the opening round in Dubai.
Shujaa will take on 2023 Challenger champions Tonga along with Georgia and Portugal in Pool A.
Lionesses are drawn together with Belgium, Papua New Guinea and Hong Kong China in Pool B.
The teams depart for Uruguay on Sunday 3 March 2024.
Shujaa HSBC Challenger squad
Vincent Onyala (KCB, Co-Captain),
Tony Omondi (Mwamba, Co-Captain),
Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar),
John Okoth (Menengai Oilers),
George Ooro (Strathmore Leos),
Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos),
Samuel Asati (KCB),
Dennis Abukuse ( Menengai Oilers),
Ben Salem (Nondescripts),
Chrisant Ojwang (Nakuru, debut),
Lamec Ambetsa (Kabras Sugar, debut),
Elvis Olukusi (KCB, debut)
Lionesses HSBC Challenger squad
Sheila Chajira (Captain),
Naomi Amuguni,
Judith Okumu,
Stella Wafula,
Sharon Auma,
Grace Okulu,
Janet Okello,
Christabel Lindo,
Sinaida Nyachio,
Maureen Muritu,
Phoebe Akinyi,
Terry Ayesa
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