Kenya Sevens head coach Damian McGrath has called for radical surgery on the team in their quest to reclaim World Sevens Series core status next season.
The English tactician said relegation from the core status is the biggest wake-up call to the entire fraternity even as the national Sevens side plans for life in the Challenger Series.
"It's sad that we are out of the series. We need to use this moment to rethink, restrategise and see what needs to be done going forward. We must ensure that we put the system in place for us to be competitive in the years to come," said McGrath.
The former Germany and Samoa coach said the country needs development pathways for players to come from — age grade rugby to the national teams.
“It's long overdue. We need to have a second team playing at various satellite Sevens tournaments like New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. Anything short of that and we are going to struggle against the better sides,” added McGrath.
He termed this as the most difficult season of his 22-year coaching career.
"This is arguably the toughest season I have faced. From the players not being paid at the start of the season to the lack of training facilities to many issues behind the scenes. I can't reveal all that has contributed to the position we are in today,” he added.
In the short term, McGrath said, their focus is on the July New York Sevens as well as the Africa Sevens Championship in September which will act as an Olympic qualifier in Zimbabwe.
“We have reassurances from the union that they are going to support the team and help us qualify for the Paris Games. That is our immediate goal, to qualify for the Olympics," he said.
Meanwhile, Kabras duo Brian Tanga and Brian Tanga have been included in the dream for the London Sevens.
They join Argentina's Agustin Faraga, Rodrigo Isgiro, Fijian Manuela Miasamoa, Akulia Rokolisoa of New Zealand alongside compatriot Regan Ware.
