Andrew Amonde will captain the Kenya 7s squads to the Emirates Dubai 7s Invitational tournament from March 26th to April 11.
While announcing his squad on Thursday, Kenya 7s head coach Innocent Simiyu revealed Amonde will be returning to the national sevens team after sitting out the Madrid trip due to sickness.
The Dubai 7s will be played over two separate weekends with the main objective being to be used by teams to prepare for the rearranged Tokyo Olympics scheduled to start in July.
Simiyu said Amonde will reclaim the captaincy role with Billy Odhiambo as his assistant. The squad also sees the return of playmakers Sammy Oliech and Eden Agero.
Vincent Onyala, Alvin Otieno, Bush Mwale, Willy Ambaka, Harold Anduvate, Johnstone Olindi, Daniel Taabu, Tony Omondi, Jefferey Olouch, Nelson Oyoo, Jacob Ojee and Derrick Keyoga have maintained their places in Simiyu’s squad.
Dubai 7s will be the second invitational tournament for the Kenyan teams who also featured at the Madrid 7s in Spain last month with Shujaa finishing second in both weekends.
Simiyu’s side will come up against neighbours Uganda, Spain, Japan, Chile, France as well as Argentina who proved difficult to beat in Madrid.
The teams will train and play all rugby at The Sevens Stadium behind closed doors, with spectators not allowed. The tournaments will take place on April 2nd/3rd and April 8th/9th.
The tournaments are accredited by World Rugby, with international referees and officials flying into support as part of their own Olympic preparation.
