Chabeda sets sights on next 15s Rugby WC

By BS MULAVI

Bamburi Super Series Chairman Aggrey Chabeda believes Kenya will play at the 2015 Fifteens Rugby World Cup.

According to Chabeda, the regional tournament set to run from April 24 to May 22 will work wonders in transforming the languid version of the game to the pride of the country.

"Fifteen’s rugby has been lagging behind compared to Sevens, but that is about to change. With this tournament in place, we can develop the most treasured version of the game to the extent of qualifying for the World Cup," said Chabeda.

Chabeda was speaking at a press briefing for the tournament, where he unveiled the Bamburi Super Series vision ‘Rugby Super Series for the future of Fifteens Rugby.

Next world cup

The next 15s World Cup is scheduled for New Zealand in 2011, but Kenya failed to qualify for this tournament due to a flimsy performance that saw Namibia at the country’s expense.

"We know that we cannot make the 2011 contingent, but we are fully focused on getting the team to the next World Cup and I strongly believe a regional tournament of this magnitude is what is needed to get us there," he added.

The Super Series is an annual tournament that sees eight franchise teams from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania fight it out for top honours and a handsome prize kitty. Chabeda was speaking alongside Kenya Rugby Union Secretary Frank Sabwa, who echoed his colleague’s sentiments, saying: "The only way a team can get better is if they play a better team, and that is why 15s has been dwindling."

"But with top players from the region now getting these high profile matches, we should witness a dramatic change, especially for a country like Tanzania," he added.

"Once we have a competitive arena in the region, there is no reason an East African side should not make it to the World Cup," he added.

The Super Series is used as a tool for the National technical bench to select a side that will represent the country for the rest of the season.

National coach, Michael ‘Tank’ Otieno will be scouting for players who will play against Mpumalanga of South Africa and the tri-nation tournament between Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda.