KRU plot to revive the national selection panel for the Sevens team

"I believe by the end of August, we should have confirmed an effective five-man selection Committee Panel," noted Coach Odera.

by WILLIAM NJUGUNA

Sports05 August 2025 - 09:34

In Summary

The former Kenya Simbas and Chipu coach observed that the revamp of the selection panel is long overdue, especially with the growth of the shorter version of the game.
“The last time we had this panel was four or five years ago, but the growth and expansion of the Sevens programme in the last couple of years has enabled us to rethink the selection panel and have it in place."

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) will revive the national selection panel for the Sevens team to instil merit in the exercise. Currently, KRU director of rugby, Paul Odera, said all 12 Division One coaches in the National Sevens Series are selectors, but plans are underway to form a committee of selectors for the national team.

"Currently, the 12 coaches in the circuit are selectors, but I believe by the end of August, we should have confirmed an effective five-man selection Committee Panel," noted Odera.

The former Kenya Simbas and Chipu coach observed that the revamp of the selection panel is long overdue, especially with the growth of the shorter version of the game.

“The last time we had this panel was four or five years ago, but the growth and expansion of the Sevens programme in the last couple of years has enabled us to rethink the selection panel and have it in place."

Odera observed that for one to play for either the Shujaa or the Lionesses Sevens team, he or she must play in the ongoing National Sevens Series, with only those injured or those with professional contracts outside the country being exempted.

“This will be the rule going forward. We want to have a culture of professionalism and merit. We also want to give the players who play for clubs a chance to play for the national team,” noted Odera.

He said the National Sevens Series circuit team coaches will be required to submit names of the players who they think should be in the national team at the end of the circuit in September.

After the series, a provisional squad of 40 players will be picked to start preparing for the Safari sevens, with Kenya expected to be represented by Shujaa and Morans.

He hinted that Shujaa will play in the revamped World Sevens Series Division Two category, starting in January next year at a venue and date to be announced by World Rugby. "Most likely, the new format will start in the new year with both Shujaa and Lionesses chasing promotion to Division One."