New youngsters training with Shujaa ahead of 2023 HSBC Series

With the 2023 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series set to kick off on November 4 in a season that will feature a record-equaling 11 rounds, the men’s national rugby 7s side have been preparing for the new campaign under the stewardship of English head coach Damian McGrath and his assistant Kevin Wambua.

After finishing twelfth out of sixteen teams in the 2022 campaign, Shujaa will be aiming to once again fight off the threat of relegation when the grueling Series get underway starting from Hong Kong which makes its return following a two-year coronavirus enforced absence.

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In preparation for the season, a number of exciting youngsters, who impressed in the 2022 National Sevens Circuit, have been training with the national side with the management keen to gradually rope in a number of the youngsters to the senior setup. Mozzart Sport can reveal some of the names who might soon be donning the jersey on the global circuit.

Patrick Odongo

The 19-year-old speed merchant earned his call to the senior training camp after a breakout performance in his maiden 7s Circuit campaign with Championship side Daystar Falcons.

His brilliant performances, both on the offense and defense, led to the winger being selected in the Overall National Sevens Circuit Team of the Series.

Seen as a perfect fit in the team due to his raw pace which is currently missing in the squad.

Amon Wamalwa - Injes

It is a no brainer why Wamalwa, who finished the National Sevens Circuit as the top points scorer and top try scorer in the 2022 campaign, was called to the squad.

The youngster has already made his debut for Shujaa as he played in the men’s Rugby Africa Cup Sevens tournament held in Uganda.

Seen as one of the most stylish youngsters in the circuit who earned a lot of raving reviews with his flair and Fijian style of play that also earned him a spot in the Team of the Series.

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George Ooro – Japolo

The rugged Strathmore Leos player is not afraid to take on a tackle from anyone, a trademark of the Kenyan physicality.

Shone at the Prinsloo tournament where he was named the Most valuable Player before also featuring on the Team of the Series.

Dennis Abukuse

The Bungoma High School alumnus is another Team of the Series member who played an integral part in helping Menengai Oilers clinch their first ever National Sevens Series title.

He was a pivotal figure for the Nakuru based side in his precision in attack, defense and impressive kicking duties that saw him named in four of the six leg dream teams.

Dennis Abukuse

Brunson Madigu

His skills, resolve and flair on the pitch always made Strathmore Leos a side to fear on the circuit.

Orchestrated the team’s attack and was always the source of ideas with his trickery and mastery of the rugby pitch.

Brunson Madigu

Also earned a spot to the team of The Series.

Other youngsters include William Muhanji called up after an impressive campaign with Masinde Muliro university of Science and Technology.