Kenya Rugby Sevens series attracts 16 teams

Sixteen teams from across the world have confirmed participation in the 16th edition of the Safaricom 7s Rugby Series scheduled for November 4-6 in Nairobi.

The teams include hosts and defending champions Kenya and Bristol from United Kingdom who have been at every tournament since 1996. Star teams are Samoa, Spain, Zimbabwe, New Zealand’s provincial side Auckland, Belmont Shore from the USA and the Emerging Boks. Others are Les Bleu, Zambia, False Bay RFC, Namibia, Samurai, Tanzania, Uganda and Grenoble.

Safaricom, that is now sponsoring the annual event for the second year running, Wednesday injected US$ 310,000 sponsorship in this year’s edition.

This year’s edition’s dates have been moved from the traditional June and November to attract the top Sevens playing nations who will be heading for the opening legs of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series in late November.

The timing will also be convenient for fans keen on seeing their teams play in Nairobi.