Kenya Sevens rugby team head coach Damian McGrath is set to showcase his coaching prowess when duty calls during the Toulouse and London tours are scheduled for this weekend.
Bush Mwale, Herman Humwa, Edmund Anya, Billy Odhiambo, Tony Omondi and skipper Nelson Oloo have all been called upon to represent the country in the world seven series.
Fast-rising Nondescripts back Benson Salem and Blak Blad winger Archadius Khwesa will also be expected to prove their worth in their Series debut after being included in the squad.
Veteran utility Augustine Lugonzo is set to make a return to the series after a lengthy absence as well as Alvin Otieno, Timothy Mmasi and Johnstone Olindi who missed the previous two events.
Shujaa will feature in the seventh and eighth tournaments of the World 7s Series and will come up against Olympic Champions Fiji, hosting France and Wales in Pool B matches.
The Toulouse 7s will be staged at The Stade Ernest-Wallon which has a capacity of 19,500 fans.
This will be McGrath’s first assignment after former Shujaa captain and head coach Innocent Simiyu was relieved of his duties after posting poor performances.
McGrath now takes charge for the next two years leading up to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France.
He boasts close to thirty years of coaching experience, having most recently led Germany 7s to victory at the World Rugby Challenger Series in Chile in 2020.
He previously coached Canada 7s between 2016 and 2019, leading the Canadians to the cup title at the 2017 Singapore 7s.
He was also in charge of the Samoa 7s squad during the 2015-16 season, leading them to the cup title at the 2016 Paris 7s.
McGrath also coached England 7s at the 2002 and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Glasgow as well as the 2005 Rugby World Cup 7s in Hong Kong.
Kevin Wambua, who has been a part of the Shujaa set-up, will assist Damian in ensuring a seamless transition while Geoffrey Kimani takes up the Strength & Conditioning coaching role.
Kenya 7s squad: Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru RFC, Captain), Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequin), Alvin Otieno (KCB Rugby), Collins Shikoli (Homeboyz ), Bush Mwale (Homeboyz), Timothy Mmasi (MMUST Rugby), Tony Omondi (Mwamba), Johnstone Olindi (KCB), Billy Odhiambo (Mwamba), Edmond Anya (Impala Saracens), Augustine Lugonzo (Homeboyz), Archadius Khwesa (Blak Blad, debut), Ben Salem (Nondescripts, debut).
