The Kenya under-13 Sevens team will grace the Rossyln Sevens tournament in the United Kingdom this week.
The team made up of players from the International Association of Preparatory Schools (IAPS) has had an intense three-week training programme under coach Jim Ross.
Ross said he is excited about the championship.
“I can’t tell you how excited we are to be taking a very talented group of 12 boys from the 10 IAPS schools. We are really looking forward to the event, we are very excited about the warm-up matches and the whole tour,” observed Ross.
“This is an exciting opportunity for these players to display what they can do on the international stage. Looking at the bigger picture this is one of the foundations from which to build an age-grade development program,” added Ross.
This team has in previous years produced players who have gone on to play representative rugby for Kenya at senior and U-20 level including Michele Brighetti, Dominic Coulson, Mark Mutuku, Jeff Mutuku, Owain Ashley, George Kyriazi and Josh Weru who famously made his debut for the Simbas at the Rugby World Cup 2023 Final Qualification Tournament last November in Dubai.
This year’s squad is captained by Teshen Waire and features Sotei Lopokoyit, son of former Mean Machine and Kenya center Andrew Lopokoiyit as well as Ogwe Ng’ong’a whose father, Edwin, featured for Lenana School, Mean Machine, Kenya and English club side Blackheath RFC.
Also traveling with the team as part of the coaching staff is internationally-capped scrum-half Michael Wanjala, who currently plays his club rugby at former Kenya Cup champions KCB.
The Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens tournament has evolved into the world's largest rugby tournament with over 10,000 boys and girls aged 11 - 18 competing annually.
IAPS Kenya are in Pool 'E' of the National 7s Preparatory Schools category alongside Beaudesert Park, Brighton College, Lord Landsworth College, Mill Hill & Belmont and Sedbergh Prep.
Kenya U13 IAPS Travelling Squad Teshen Waire (Banda, Captain), Sotei Lopokoiyit (Brookehouse, Vice-Captain), Ogwe Ng’ong’a (The Banda), Nathan Van Aswegen (Banda), Toby Glen (Banda), Jack Foxton (Pembroke House), Archie Camm (Pembroke House), Lionel Lawrence (Pembroke House), Essein Lewis (BGE), Nana Epoku (Peponi House), Jayden Collis (Kenton College), Zachary Rusagara (Kenton College) Head Coach: Jim Ross (Peponi House), Assistants: Cameron Roberts (Banda), Michael Wanjala (Peponi House)
