Shujaa, Morans squads named for 28th Safari Sevens

Kenya Rugby Union on Wednsday, October 7, unveiled the Kenya Shujaa and Kenya Morans squads for the 28th Safari Sevens scheduled for October 9-11 at Nyayo National Stadium, with both sides combining experience and emerging talent.

Reigning champions Kenya enter the annual  tournament buoyed by their Mauritius Sevens victory last weekend. Coach Kevin Wambua has retained a strong core of experienced internationals while rewarding impressive performers from the 2026 Africa Men Sevens Series held in Mauritius.

Co-captains George Ooro and Samuel Asati will provide leadership alongside John Okoth, Gabriel Ayimba and Brian Mutua. Mauritius-winning captain Elvis Olukusi earns his first Shujaa call-up, while half-backs Glacious Owino and Rayvon Ambale make their debuts after standout performances in Mauritius. Nygel Amaitsa, Festus Safari Shiasi, Patrick Odongo and Victor Odhiambo Mola complete the squad.

Shujaa: John Okoth; George Ooro (Co-Captain); Elvis Olukusi*; Gabriel Ayimba; Brian Mutua; Samuel Asati (Co-Captain); Glacious Owino*; Rayvon Ambale Olindi*; Nygel Amaitsa; Festus Safari; Patrick Odongo; Victor Odhiambo.

Meanwhile, the Morans will use Safari Sevens to blood a new generation of players emerging from the National Sevens Circuit. Co-captains Clinton Amukwachi and Dennis Ndayala will lead a squad featuring six debutants.

The new faces are Mathias Osimbo, Stanslaus Shikoli, Patrick Kluivert, Mike Lukusi of Kabras Sugar, Harrison Mauve of Kisumu RFC and Brighton Omondi. They are joined by experienced campaigners Patrick Sabatia, Eugene Ojiambo, Arnold Agonda and Lucky Onyango.

Morans: Clinton Amukwachi (Co-Captain); Mathias Osimbo*; Stanslaus Shikoli*; Patrick Sabatia; Patrick Kluivert*; Eugene Ojiambo; Mike Lukusi*; Dennis Ndayala (Co-Captain); Arnold Agonda; Lucky Onyango; Harrison Mauve*; Brighton Omondi*.

The two Kenyan sides have been pooled separately for Safari Sevens, with Shujaa seeking to defend their title on home soil while the Morans aim to showcase the country's emerging sevens talent.

*Denotes a player making their debut for the respective side.

Men pools:

A - Shujaa, Uganda, SportPesa Fast Forward 7s and Scotland;

B - Shogun, French Renegades, Southern California Nomads and Wellington Jaguars;  

C - Morans, Zimbabwe, GEL Squad and Wonder 7s.

Women:

Kenya Lionesses, Uganda Lady Cranes, Kenya Cubs, Tunisia, South Africa TUKS and Junior Lionesses.