The Kenyan national rugby sevens team has made a significant stride in preparation for the upcoming Hong Kong and Singapore tournaments by securing the services of Fijian winger Jone Kubu. Recognized by head coach Kevin Wambua as an important asset, Kubu joins the squad after making his debut with Shujaa in Vancouver last month.
At 31 years old, Kubu hails from Naitasiri, Fiji, and has been an integral part of Kenyan rugby since joining the Samurai International team for the Safari 7s in 2014. His wealth of experience includes playing for the Kabras Sugar RFC, where he secured four Kenyan Cup titles, and representing the Kenya Simbas in 2021 at the Africa Cup in Nairobi, where he showcased his adaptability by playing as a fly-half.
The team itself remains largely stable and will be captained by George Ooro and Samuel Asati. Notably, Festus Shiasi returns from KCB to replace Jackson Siketi, bringing additional strength to the lineup as they look to enhance their performance after finishing 12th in Vancouver yet still holding onto a 9th place in the overall standings with 15 points.
The upcoming tournaments present a challenging opportunity for Shujaa, facing a difficult pool that includes Spain, Great Britain, and France. Despite the previous disappointment, the team is focused on improvement and growth.
The Hong Kong 7s will take place from March 28 to 30 at the Kai Tak Stadium, followed by the Singapore 7s on April 4 and 5. Kubu’s addition is seen as a beacon of hope for fans, who are optimistic that his presence will not only bolster the team but also inspire burgeoning rugby talent throughout Kenya.
With this renewed commitment to strengthening their roster, Kenyan rugby fans can look forward to a potentially uplifting performance in the upcoming series. The determination and hard work displayed by the players signal a bright future for Kenyan rugby on the international stage.
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