Cheetahs start training ahead of Super Series

Nakuru RFC and Oilers in past action. Players from the two teams are part of the Cheetahs team.[Kipsang Joseph]

As they wait to be advised on the actual number of players who should join their official camp, the Cheetahs have started training for the Rugby Super Series that kicks-off on May 4.

The team is training daily at ASK Nakuru Showground in the evening.

Head coach Lawrence Buyachi said they could not wait for the official communication at the expense of fitness of his players.

“Fitness is what is crucial in any serious event. So we just have to continue training as we wait for the formal communication from Kenya Rugby Union on the number of players who should join the official camp. It’ll get us when we are ready for the event,” Buyachi told Standard Sports.

He said time was not on their side and there was need for punctuality in training.

Cheetahs have their players drawn from Menengai Oilers, Nakuru RFC, Homeboyz, Impala, Kabarak University and University of Eldoret, all taking part in the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championships.

Four franchise sides in Cheetahs, defending champions Rhinos, Lions and Buffaloes face-off in round robin series at different venues in Nakuru, Nairobi and Kakamega.

Cheetah open their campaign against Buffaloes on May 4 at Rugby Football Union of East Africa Grounds.

Cheetahs second match pits them against Lions at Nakuru Athletic Club on May 11.

Cheetahs face Rhinos in their final round robin match in Kakamega before the two top teams in the four-team-contest face off in the finals on May 24 in Nairobi.

Elsewhere, Wales’ most capped hooker and oldest captain Ken Owens has retired, aged 37, writes BBC.

Owens played 91 internationals for Wales and five Tests for the British and Irish Lions on two tours.

He won four Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, appeared at three World Cups and won a league title with Scarlets but has been sidelined for almost a year by a back injury.