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Disappointment for Kenyan rugby fans as national Sevens teams withdraw from Dubai Invitational

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By Sports Reporter | 01 Dec 2023

Kenya's men's team, Shujaa, were set to compete in Group C, facing off against Speranza 22, R10C Selects, and Wailers. They were placed in Group C alongside Speranza 22, R10C Selects, and Wailers in the men’s International Invitation Category.

Kenyan rugby fans were left disappointed on Thursday, November 30, 2023, when the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) announced the sudden withdrawal of the men's and women's national teams from the 2023 Dubai Invitational Sevens tournament, scheduled to begin today.

In a late statement, KRU chairman Alexander Mutai cited unavoidable logistical challenges that made travel to Dubai impossible at present.

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"We regret to inform you that the Kenya Sevens men and women national squads will not be able to honour their fixtures at the 2023 Dubai 7s. The teams were slated to play in the International Invitational Category in Dubai. Unfortunately, logistical challenges have negatively impacted their travel itinerary, rendering the trip to Dubai impossible at this point...," read the statement.

Kenya Rugby Union statement on Shujaa and Lionesses participation at the Dubai 7s https://t.co/LGbECxS11Q pic.twitter.com/GeMbJ9BGU7

— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) November 30, 2023

Kenya's men's team, Shujaa, were set to compete in Group C, facing off against Speranza 22, R10C Selects, and Wailers. They were placed in Group C alongside Speranza 22, R10C Selects, and Wailers in the men’s International Invitation Category. Their schedule included a match against R1OC Selects at 2:40 pm today, facing Wailers at 2:20 pm tomorrow, and concluding the pool stage against Speranza 22 at 5 pm.

The withdrawal also comes as a blow to the women's team, Lionesses, who were poised to test their mettle against Ireland Invitational, USA Falcons, Rhino Stompers, and French Militaire Sevens in Group B. This setback follows recent losses in the Africa Sevens and Safari Sevens tournaments.