Infringements cost rugby stars dearly ahead of Christie Sevens
Four players are expected to miss Christie Sevens - the oldest rugby tournament in the country this weekend following match bans imposed by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) for respective infringements in the ongoing national sevens circuit.
During the Prinsloo Sevens, Kenyan international Fidel Oloo, of Nondescripts, who made a tackle above his opponent’s shoulder at the Nakuru Athletic Club earlier this month, has been banned for four matches.
Infringements
Brian Bango of Silverstone Kisumu and Kelvin Kabole of Kabras Sugar will miss five weeks each for similar tackling infringements. Bango wrapped his tackle on an opponent’s neck while Kabole completed his tackle by landing his opponent’s head first on the ground.
MMUST have for the second time this season received a ban after Venice Shikuba’s Dala Sevens five-match ban.
Nobert Lumbwani is the second player to be cited and will now miss six matches for an illegal tackle that saw him take down his opponent to land his head first.
Meanwhile, Uganda Pirates will be the lone international invited side for the annual event launched in 1964 at the RFUEA Grounds - the home of Kenya Harlequins. This is after Blue Bulls and Tuks from South Africa, pulled out at the last minute.
Champions
Pirates will meet quality opposition from Ngong Road trio of hosts Kenya Harlequins the defending champs, Homeboyz and Impala Saracens in Pool B.
Harlequins will be handled by Benjamin Ayimba in the absence of suspended Charles Cardovillis and team manager Geoffrey Okoth.
Cardovillis and his team manager were suspended by the union from all rugby-related activities pending hearing of their social media comments on their views and experiences with match officiating.
Recent winners of Prinsloo leg, Stanbic Mwamba will headline Pool A featuring Nondescripts, Strathmore Leos and invited Egerton Wasps.
In Pool C, Blak Blad has replaced the South African franchise, set to play Nakuru, Kabras and MMMUST.
