‘Honour to be named as part of Kenya 7s team’ – Kubu ecstatic after call-up

By , February 15, 2025

Fijian-born Kenyan rugby player Jone Kubu has termed it an honour as he edges closer to realizing his dream of representing the Kenya 7s team, Shujaa.

The Kabras man earned his place in coach Kevin Wambua’s squad for the fourth stop of the World Rugby Series on Thursday, February 13, 2025, ahead of a potential debut with Shujaa.

The fly-half landed in Kenya in 2014 as part of the Samurai team for the annual Safari 7s tournament. He earned a contract with Kabras Sugar a year later.

He made a fast rise and made his debut with the Kenya Simbas team in 2021. Three years later, he has earned his call-up as Shujaa prepare for the Vancouver series.

Honour

Speaking on his inclusion, Kubu expressed his readiness to get going after putting his recent struggles with injuries behind him.

“It’s an honour to be named as part of the Kenya 7s team,” Kubu told the KRU.

As he looks to play a role in furthering Shujaa’s quest for improved tidings in the fourth series, Kubu remains bullish about their chances.

“Training has been tough since I was away for several months due to injury, and then I played for Simbas in the long version before joining Shujaa. However, I am confident that we will make Kenya proud,” he added.

Wambua on Kubu

Kubu also spared a thought for his late dad, who always held the dream of seeing his son feature at such an elevated stage.

“My dad always wanted to see me play on this level, and now that he’s no longer here. I know he’s smiling and will be supporting us from above,” he retorted.

On his part, coach Wambua praised the versatility posed by Kubu as he backed him to be a crucial cog for the Shujaa in the series in Canada.

“Kubu is a phenomenal all-rounder, blessed with an extraordinary ‘X-factor’ that can dismantle defensive structures at will. His training performances have been exemplary, and I have no doubt that both debutants will inject an invaluable spark as we pursue our top-eight objective,” Wambua said.

Kenya has been drawn in a challenging pool alongside Argentina, France, and Uruguay—similar to their grouping in Perth.

The team will kick off their campaign on the morning of Saturday, February 22, against Argentina, followed by a clash with former series winners France later that day. They will wrap up their group stage matches on Saturday night against a tricky Uruguay side.

Shujaa squad: Samuel Asati, George Ooro, Kevin Wekesa, Vincent Onyala, Dennis Abukuse, Anthony Omondi, William Mwanji, Brian Tanga, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo, Floyd Wabwire, Jone Kubu, and Jackson Siketi.

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