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The first round of the 2024 Rugby Super Series fixtures are set to take place at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi this Saturday, May 4.
After a decade-long break, the Rugby Super Series makes its return this weekend with two exciting matches scheduled for this Saturday, May 4 2023 at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road, Nairobi.
Originally slated for the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka, the venue had to be changed due to heavy rains in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
As a result, the action kicks off early at RFUEA, with the Buffaloes facing off against the Cheetahs at noon, followed by the Lions and Rhinos clash at 3:00 pm, setting off what is expected to be an exciting next four weekends for Kenyan Rugby.
But as the tournament kicks off for the first time in 10 years, here is everything you need to know.
What is the Rugby Super Series?
The Rugby Super Series is a competition that aims to elevate the standards of play for Kenya’s top players and to provide them with a clear pathway for selection to the National XV’s team Simbas.
It will aim at upgrade the participating franchises to fully-fledged professional teams within the next two years which will enhance the quality of competition and produce a better prepared Simbas, whose ultimate aim is to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The tournament has received significant support from sponsors, including Tessen Sports Services, KCB Bank, West Kenya Sugar, Menengai Oil Refineries, and Jamii Telecom.How many teams are participating?
Scheduled to unfold on four Saturdays in May 2024, with matches rotating between Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kakamega the tournament is featuring four men’s teams and two women’s teams.
All four teams (Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Lions, and Rhinos) have already unveiled their tournament squads, with the matchday lineups set to be announced later today, on Friday, May 3rd, 2024.
As a result, the action kicks off early at RFUEA, with the Buffaloes facing off against the Cheetahs at noon, followed by the Lions and Rhinos clash at 3:00 pm.
Adding to the excitement, the tournament introduces its inaugural women’s competition, featuring the Eagles and Jaguars. These two teams will go head-to-head over two match days to determine the ultimate victor.
How will the competition take place?
This year’s competition adopts a round-robin format, spanning across Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kakamega over the first three match days. The top two teams will then battle it out in the championship match on the fourth match day.
What are the ticket prices?
Fans will have to pay Ksh. 500 shillings to be able to gain access to all games over the four weekends.
How to watch the Rugby Super Series
The games will be broadcasted live on the Kenya Rugby Union’s YouTube channel.
Men’s squads
BUFFALOES
Forwards: Javan Olando, Collins Amonde, Christopher Otieno, Andrew Wangila, Clinton Litali, Thomas Simiyu, Collins Indeche, Biden Hayo, Geoffrey Shitambasi, Edward Mwaura, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Victor Otieno, Paywick Munoko, Gibson Perez, Darryl Oluoch
Backs: Walter Ambe, Eric Cantona, Brian Kiptanui, Darrell Brantana, Alvin Mutachi, Bede Enonda, James Olela, Roy Maruti, Griffin Chao, Paul Abuto, Dan Ang’ wech, Collins Osore, Jackson Siketa
Reserves: Humphrey Asiligwa, David Williams, Fortune Aturo, Jacktone Omondi, Robert Murunga, Daniel Kipchirchir, Hillary Salano
Coach: Max Adaka
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CHEETAHS
Forwards: Desterious Makenzi, Erick Miheso, Francis Orembe, Kevin Kiget, Brian Onyango, Celestine Mboi, Emmanuel Mboya, Ibrahim Ayoo, Barry Opondo, Nelson Tengeye, Wesley Lusaka, Amos Nyamanya, Felix Odhiambo, Clinton Juma, Elkeans Mukamiti, Samuel Were
Backs: Samson Onsomu, James Muthoni, Samuel Macharia, Tony Owino, Tyson Maina, Philip Otieno, Chrispin Shitundo, Quinto Ongo, Alvin Khavoli, Javan Okwaro, Beldad Ogeta, Dennis Abukuse, Chrisant Ojwang
Reserves: Abutwalib Abdalla, Reuben Gathoni, Wallace Ouma, Nixon Onyango, Timothy Ejakait, Kelvin Chebet, Andrew Ndondo
Coach: Lawrence Buyachi
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LIONS
Forwards: Oscar Simiyu, Nick Okullo, Wilhite Mususi, Patrick Ouko, Givens Oduor, Griffin Musila, James Ochieng, Emmanuel Silungi, Andycole Omolo, Collins Kabayo, Obat Kuke, Persian Kolian, Felix Ojow, Randy Wama, Eliakim Kichoi, Manasseh Oduor
Backs: Derrick Wechuli, Emmanuel Opondo, Derrick Masese, Brian Wahinya, Elvis Namusasi, Daniel Oyoo, Bob Muhati, Levy Amunga, Charles Tendwa, Gabriel Namusasi, Michael Wamalwa, Rugar Benjamin
Reserves: Randy Odhiambo, Newton Okeyo, Steve Odhiambo, Claude Nyamiro, Davies Masinga, Shuaib Wesonga, Shaddy Onyango
Coach: Oliver Mang’ eni
RHINOS
Forwards: Meshack Tunnech,Khaider Mohammed,Abel Matanda,Sheldon Kahi,Clein Okumbi,John Aswani,Adam Mugo,Ryan Odua,Steven Odhiambo,Eric Shimoli,Charles Omondi,Stanslous Shikoli,Bramwel Anekea,Barnabas Owuor,Dennis Tubei
Backs : Jan Remke,Patrick Wainaina,Zedden Marrow,Paul Mutsami,Evin Asena,Harmony Wamalwa,Charles Odhiambo,Ian Mumbwani,Bruce Odhiambo,Matoka Matoka,Stephen Osumba,Victor Odhiambo,Shem Okola
Reserves : Richel Wangila,Wiseman Aganya,Fred Shisia,Benjamin Marshall,Charlton Mokua Raymond Chacha,Laban Kispang
Coach: Paul Murunga
FIXTURES
Saturday 4 May 2024 | RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi
Buffaloes v Cheetahs | 12.00pm
Lions v Rhinos | 3.00pm
Saturday 11 May 2024 | Nakuru Athletic Club, Nakuru
Buffaloes v Rhinos | 2.00pm
Cheetahs v Lions | 4.00pm
Saturday 18 May 2024 | The Bullring, Kakamega
Eagles v Jaguars | 12.00pm (Women’s Fixture)
Rhinos v Cheetahs | 2.00pm
Buffaloes v Lions | 4.00pm
Saturday 25 May 2024 | RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi
Jaguars v Eagles | 12.00pm (Women’s Fixture)
Rank 3 v Rank 4 | 2.00pm
Rank 1 v Rank 2 | 4.00pm
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