Trio get Prinsloo invitation, Masinde Muliro’s Shikuba suspended
By Alex Njue, August 15, 2019
Egerton Wasps, Strathmore Leos and Mombasa will feature in Division One of the Prinsloo Sevens thanks to invitations from hosting club Nakuru RFC this weekend.
Mean Machine and Kisumu dropped to the tier two competition courtesy of Challenge Trophy quarter-final losses in last weekend’s Dala Sevens in Kisumu, paving the way for the trio’s elevation.
Strathmore were among the three relegated sides but got an invite alongside Dala Sevens Division Two runners up and third place finishers Egerton Wasps and Mombasa RFC.
However, it will not be easy for the invited teams as they will come up against stiff opposition at the group stage.
Mombasa are in Pool A alongside National Sevens Series leaders KCB, Kabeberi Sevens winners Mwamba RFC and Northern Suburbs while Egerton will face Menengai Oilers, finalists at Kabeberi and Dala, Masinde Muliro University and Technology (MMUST) and Kabras Sugar in Pool B.
Strathmore are in a Pool C that has Impala, Western Bulls and Nondies while Pool D has no lightweight as Nakuru, Homeboyz, Blak Blad and Kenya Harlequin will contest for honours.
Meanwhile, MMUST forward Venance Shikuba will miss five matches at Prinsloo as he begins serving a five-week ban, having been suspended in Kisumu.
The ban translates into five matches that will include three at group stage, one in the quarter and semi-finals at Prinsloo.
Shikuba was initially set to miss eight matches for dangerous play but Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) reduced the ban following an apology from the player.
The sanction was in line with World Rugby regulation 17 and the by-laws of KRU that seek to protect players from infringement-induced injuries.
In his defence, Shikuba said the act was unintentional as he was trying to get back on his feet after completing a tackle.