Onyala's comeback boosts Shujaa ahead of World Sevens in Perth

The Kenya rugby sevens national team, Shujaa, will bank on the experience of Vincent Onyala after the KCB Rugby winger was named in Kevin Wambua’s squad for the Australian leg of the 2024-25 World Rugby Sevens Series, scheduled for January 24–26 in Perth.

Shujaa coach Wambua confirmed Onyala’s return at a press briefing on Wednesday morning at the RFUEA Grounds. Onyala missed the Dubai and Cape Town legs due to contractual disputes. Wambua also announced the return of Kabras Sugar scrum-half Brin Tanga, who had been sidelined by injury during the first two legs of the series.

Onyala’s return strengthens a Shujaa squad led by captain George Ooro of the Strathmore Leos. KCB Rugby’s Samuel Asati will serve as the assistant captain of the team, which also includes Antony Omondi, another experienced player who retains his spot after rejoining the squad for the Cape Town leg. Like Onyala, Omondi had missed the Dubai leg due to contractual disputes.

The squad also features Kevin Wekesa, William Mwanji, Dennis Abukuse, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo, Festus Shiasi, Benson Salem, and Floyd Wabwire.

After finishing 9th in Dubai and 7th in Cape Town, performances that earned Shujaa three and eight points respectively, Wambua hailed Onyala’s return as pivotal for the team’s success in Perth. Kenya has been pooled with Series leaders Fiji, 6th-placed New Zealand, and 10th-placed Uruguay.

“Every team will be under pressure to deliver results, and the return of Onyala, coupled with Omondi’s presence, provides us with the much-needed calmness and experience,” Wambua said.

Kenya faced Uruguay in the 9th-place final of the Dubai leg, losing 15-7 to the South Americans. Shujaa will meet Fiji and New Zealand for the first time this season, with both matches taking place on the opening day. They will start their campaign against New Zealand at 6 a.m. EAT on January 24, followed by a clash with Fiji at 10:59 a.m. EAT. The match against Uruguay is scheduled for the following day at 7 a.m. EAT.

Shujaa camped in Nakuru in preparation for the team’s announcement. Wambua emphasized that the camp was vital for the players to recover their form after the Christmas break and analyze past performances for areas of improvement.

“We are familiar with the playing styles of our group-stage opponents in Perth. Based on our knowledge of them, we will set ourselves up to be fast and accurate in executing our game plan,” Wambua said.

Shujaa will leave for Perth next week, making it their first long-haul flight of the series. The technical bench has incorporated measures into the training program to help the team cope with jet lag and the five-hour time difference.

“Guided by our physio, we have prepared the team mentally and physically to manage the effects of jet lag and time difference,” Wambua said.

After Perth, the team will return to prepare for the Vancouver leg of the series in late February. Currently ranked 9th overall, Shujaa aims to secure a top-8 finish to guarantee a spot in the Series finale, set for Los Angeles in May.

“We are aiming to finish in the top 8. Whatever happens after that will be a bonus for us,” Wambua said.