Stage set for exciting Safari Sevens fiesta

All is set for the Tusker Safari Sevens rugby tournament, with all the teams gunning for the top prize as the tournament kicks off Saturday morning at the Kenya Rugby Football Union grounds on Ngong Road, Nairobi.

Kenya's Shujaa are in Pool A alongside Red Wailers, Uganda, SA All Stars and the Tropics 7s Men’s team.

Germany will headline Pool B which features Morans, Samurai, KCB and Western Province Select.

Kenya Lionesses will feature in the women’s competition alongside Uganda, TUKS 7s, Cubs and Tropics 7s ladies team.

The 2021 losing finalists Germany are the top seeds for this year’s tournament, together with Shujaa.

Germany coach and former player Clemens Von Grumbkow highlighted his ambition to underscore the country as a heavy-hitter in Sevens rugby:

“This is our third time here in Kenya, we have brought a young team, and we will be looking to make good progress into the tournament. Our intention is to use this tournament as a springboard to the upcoming Challenge Series next year.”

Debutants Tropics 7s have also brought down two teams, a men’s and women’s team. Captains Dan James and Kirsty Reed of the men’s and women’s teams respectively highlighted their expectations to play some good rugby, and look to gel with their teammates. Reed also noted that they would come prepared for physical matches at the tournament.

South Africa All Stars will be looking to build on the success of their nation’s XVs World Cup victory earlier this month.

On Saturday and Sunday, fans will part with Sh.1000 for a regular ticket, and Sh. 3000 for a VIP ticket.

A Season Ticket, which will grant holders access to the entire duration of the tournament which will set them back Sh. 2,000 (regular) and Sh. 5,000 (VIP).