KRU, players must swallow their pride

Kenya Sevens in action against France during the HSBC Paris Sevens Series on June 2. [AFP]

After Kenya Sevens survived relegation from the 2018/19 World Sevens Series by a whisker, the Kenya Rugby Union should put its house in order.

Shujaa’s tribulations in the just-concluded season were self–inflicted and Kenyans hope that KRU have learnt their lesson. The disagreement between the union and senior players over their reviewed contractual terms, and lack of good pre-season matches nearly cost Shujaa their core status for next season.

The absence of the likes of second all-time top try scorers Collins Injera, former captain Andrew Amonde, Nelson Oyoo, William Ambaka, Billy Oliech and Samuel Oliech was heavily felt as the former Singapore champions flattered with relegation through-out the season.

But the return of Amonde and Oyoo brought a much-needed boost for Paul Murunga’s side, with the experienced duo helping them reach the decisive Paris Sevens Main Cup quarterfinals after nine straight failed attempts. Shujaa delivered when it mattered most, rallying to beat Wales 26-21 to reach the last eight, garner a massive 10 points (37 points tally) and out-do their relegation rivals Japan.

And with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic 7s qualifiers coming in November, the union and the senior players should swallow their pride and engage for the sake of Kenyan rugby.