Amonde lauds return of Sevens Circuit after two-year hiatus

Retired Kenya 7s rugby veteran Andrew Amonde has expressed his delight over the return of the National Sevens Circuit after a two-year period of not taking place in the country.

This past weekend, the two-year break occasioned by the novel coronavirus pandemic came to an end as the 32nd edition of the George Mwangi Kabeberi 7s ushered in the 2022 Circuit where sixteen teams fought for the title at RFUEA Grounds on 21-22 May 2022.

After the two day event, it was double delight for the retired Shujaa captain as his KCB RFC side, where he sat on the technical bench as the assistant coach, clinched the main cup title after defeating Strathmore Leos 12-10 in a closely contested finale.

KCB clinch season opening Kabeberi 7s

Following the successful season opening outing, Amonde revealed his delight on seeing the short rugby version making its comeback.

“It is very important to have 7s back in the country. For a while now, rugby had gone asleep but having the Circuit back is a positive thing. COVID-19 came in and messed the world and we are just getting to recover from it. Seeing the fans here celebrating is a good thing as well and it just time to enjoy life and celebrate together,” the 2016 Singapore winner told Mozzart Sport.

Additionally, Amonde praised his side for fighting for the first title of the season as they look forward to defending their overall 7s crown that they won in the last edition held in 2019.

“I think the boys pushed every limit they had in winning the first title of the season which we came here for. They put in a lot of hard work to get that positive start as we go on. The Kabeberi 7s was like an eye opener for us. There are things we have seen that are not going wrong but we need to improve on some other aspects to ensure we are efficient as possible in our play,” he added.

Holders KCB land hosts Harlequin in Christie 7s

Up next for Amonde and KCB will be the Kenya Harlequin hosted Christie 7s taking place this weekend 28-29 May at the RFUEA Grounds. It will be the second outing of the six legged tournament.

National 7s Circuit dates

21/22 May: George Mwangi Kabeberi Memorial 7s, RFUEA Ground, Nairobi

28/29 May: Christie 7s, RFUEA Ground, Nairobi

18/19 June: Driftwood 7s, Mombasa Sports Club, Mombasa

2/3 July: Dala 7s, Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu

9/10 Jul: Prinsloo 7s, Nakuru Athletic Club, Nakuru

16th/17th July: Kakamega 7s, The Bull Ring, Kakamega