The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the World Rugby Sevens Division Two tournament, scheduled for 14–15 February at Nyayo Stadium, will be set up in the next fortnight. Kenya Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Odundo, said the committee will comprise members drawn from the Ministry of Sports, the Kenya Rugby Union and corporates.
Kenya won the bid to host the first leg of the Division Two series on Wednesday, and Odundo said they will move with speed to deliver a flawless two-day tournament at Nyayo Stadium. “In the next two weeks, we will have the committee in place, and work will start immediately. We have less than 60 days to prepare for a tournament of this magnitude,” he said. Odundo thanked World Rugby for having faith in Kenya Rugby to host the tournament.
“We welcome the move by World Rugby to pick on the country; it clearly shows the faith and confidence they have in the country to host these events,” noted Odundo.
He added, “This milestone presents a significant opportunity for Kenya Rugby and the nation at large. Hosting this event will strengthen our global presence, expand commercial potential and inspire the next generation,” noted Odundo.
The CEO observed that a successful tournament may see Kenya bid to host the Division One category in the near future. “If it’s successful in a couple of years, we can look at hosting the top sides.”
Sources close to the Ministry of Sports said the cost for the two-day tournament will be Sh100 million, covering logistics, refurbishment of Nyayo Stadium—which is still ongoing—transport, ticketing and other miscellaneous expenses.
The bid was given the green light during a visit by World Rugby Director Nigel Cass at the Africa Cup Women’s Sevens tournament, held at the RFUEA ground. Cass held fruitful discussions with the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah, and Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okach.
From Nairobi, the Division Two category will head to Montevideo, Uruguay, for the second leg on 21–22 March, while the third leg will be in São Paulo on 28–29 March. The men’s Division Two category will feature Kenya, USA, Uruguay and Germany, while the Division Two women’s category will feature Kenya, Brazil, China and Spain. They will be joined by the losing finalists of the Division III Championship, slated for January next year in Dubai.
by WILLIAM NJUGUNA
