Alvin Otieno's work rate in the recent HSBC campaigns was very impressive

Alvin Otieno and Brian Tanga return to the Shujaa squad for the fourth and fifth legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series as Damian McGrath named a 13 man team in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Commenting on their inclusions, McGrath said, “It’s good to have the experience of Alvin and Tanga back in the squad. Whilst both are a little short of sevens fitness, they bring a lot of experience and a little bit of an x-factor which is welcome.”

There are also debuts for Menengai Oilers and Simbas center John Okoth and Daystar Falcons youngster Floyd Wabwire.

“In terms of John Okoth and Floyd, it’s very exciting for the future of Kenya Sevens. John Okoth is well known to Kenya rugby followers through his exploits with the Simbas (Kenya men’s national fifteens team). He is a big, powerful, skillful player who will offset the loss of Vincent Onyala to a great degree.”

“Johnnie’s not quite sevens fit but we know that he can come and do a job in short bursts and we know as the season goes on he’s going to get better.”

Shujaa which is in Pool A for the Hamilton 7s in New Zealand alongside Samoa, Fiji and France departs on Friday 13 January at 11.55pm

Shujaa full squad

Nelson Oyoo (Nakuru, Captain), Willy Ambaka, Herman Humwa (Kenya Harlequin), Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar), Denis Abukuse (Menengai Oilers), Alvin Otieno (KCB), George Ooro (Strathmore Leos), Edmund Anya (KCB), Tony Omondi (Mwamba), Ronnie Omondi (Mwamba), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers, debut), Floyd Wabwire (Daystar Falcons, debut)