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Star-studded Samurai International for Safari Sevens

September 14th, 2016 2 min read

BY NAIROBI NEWS REPORTER

The World leading invitational rugby sevens team, Samurai International RFC have named an experienced side for the upcoming Safari Sevens, which includes 2 Olympic Rugby 7s stars, Spain’s Ignacio Martin and Francesco Hernandez in the squad.

 

This year’s edition will be held on the 23rd to 25th September 2016 at the iconic Safaricom Stadium in Nairobi. This will be the 20th edition of the annual sevens festival.

 

The side is coached by former Otago 7s halfback and current Germany national sevens tactician Chad Shepherd who will work alongside Wales 7s Cristian Hitt. The side also boasts current HSBC Sevens Series stars, Scotland’s James Fleming, Nick McLennan, Scott Wright, Jamie Johnstone and Doughie Fife. Former Scotland 7s players Michael Fedo and Darren Gillespie have also been selected.

 

The 2015 Safari Sevens winners have also called up the Kenyan trio of Dan Sikuta (Kabras Sugar), Patrice Agunda (Kenya Harlequin) and fleet footed Churchill Ooko (Strathmore Leos). Sikuta has been with Kenyan national fifteens side, The Simbas, for a successful international season while Agunda and Ooko have been taking part in the ongoing National Sevens with their respective clubs.

 

The technical bench will be led by Shepherd assisted by Christian Hitt. Mark Dean is the team manager and will be assisted by Strathmore Leos’ Fahad Adil.

New Samurai International Kit Launched

Meanwhile, the Samurai International team will wear a limited edition Iconix match shirt during the Safari Sevens. The match shirt takes its inspiration from the amazing conservation work done by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, who are currently hand-raising raising Ambo, the newest member of the #SamuraiFamily. Orphaned elephant Ambo, who has recently been adopted by Samurai Sportswear Managing Director Terry Sands, has provided much of the influence for the in-house design team at Samurai to create this remarkable shirt.

 

The new kit also honors the new partnership formed by Samurai International RFC, the world’s most prominent invitational rugby side and the pioneering DSWT. Samurai Sportswear and Samurai International RFC are thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside the DSWT, where together, they can raise the profile of the Trust and the inspirational work they do. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust works to protect and preserve wildlife and habitats in Kenya, including the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants, enabling them to be re-integrated back into the wild herds of Tsavo; the project has received worldwide critical acclaim. It is hoped that more awareness will be raised through this partnership, where Samurai Sportswear, Samurai International RFC and The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust can continue to “Protect the Herd. The team has also partnered with Kesom Freight International who have continued their support for the team after a successful association at the 2015 Safari 7s. Samurai International RFC 1. Ignacio Martins (Capt) 2. Michael Fedo 3. Patrice Agunda 4. Nick McLennan (V Capt) 5. Scott Wight 6. Doughie Fife 7. James Fleming 8. Jamie Johnstone 9. Francesco Hernandez 10. Darren Gillespie 11. Dan Sikuta 12. Churchill Ooko Coach: Chad Shepherd Coach: Christian Hitt Manager: Mark Dean Asst Mgr: Fahad Adil Physio: Chris Watts Asst. Physio: George Odhiambo