Speed merchant Madigu included in Kenya 7s squad for LA and Vancouver legs

Following an imperious 2022 National Sevens Circuit with Strathmore Leos, Brunson Madigu has been drafted in the Kenya 7s squad assembled for Los Angeles and Vancouver legs of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Madigu was one of the shinning lights for Leos, leaving opposition for dead with his pace as they finished third in the National Sevens Circuit having claimed the Christie 7s leg of the series.

Kenya 7s head coach Damian McGrath waxed lyrical on Madigu but expressed his dissatisfaction in not having a developmental team to prime youngsters for the senior team.

“He has been outstanding in the local circuit. He has so much talent and has trained so well, so we have decided it would be a great opportunity for him to taste some world series action.”

“It has been difficult having no development team to use, so we are having to use the world series to give these players a little taste of what is to come because we are going to need them in the future but I am sure Madigu will stand up and not let the country down. He has a lot of talent and I am looking forward to see how he copes,” said McGrath.

The men’s national sevens side, Shujaa are however enduring a challenging season that sees them hovering perilously close to the relegation zone.

The former Samoa and Germany 7s head coach emphaised on the importance of putting points on the board as he also explained his squad selection.

“It is a crucial leg for us. We have picked the strongest possible available team. There are three changes from the previous trip. Of course, Willy Ambaka has stepped away after a glorious career and that will be a big hole to fill, and also, we’ve made two tactical changes as well.

The three players who are coming in are Billy Odhiambo who brings a vast wealth of experience and it will be crucial for us at this time. Daniel Taabu has been outstanding as a utility player and was badly missed on the last trip when he was unavailable for personal issues.

In keeping with the previous squads, we have introduced another young player (Madigu). Floyd Wabwire did so well on the last trip, being dropped in at the deep end. But he gained valuable insights both on and off the field as to how the world series works," said McGrath.

Shujaa squad to Los Angeles and Vancouver

Nelson Oyoo (Captain), Herman Humwa (Vice Captain), Kevin Wekesa, Alvin Otieno, Dennis Abukuse, Brian Tanga, Tony Omondi, John Okoth, George Ooro, Billy Odhiambo, Edmund Anya, Daniel Taabu, Brunson Madigu.