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This weekend’ s Safaricom Sevens in Kenya has attracted some of the big rugby names to Nairobi.
New Zealand sevens coach Gordon Tietjens is acting as an ambassador and special guest at the event.

Tietjens travelled to Kenya from Scotland, following the conclusion of this season’s IRB Sevens World Series.
Eight time IRB Sevens winners New Zealand just missed out on another World Series title this year finishing runners-up to Samoa.

“I am excited to be here. Kenya is great. It has fantastic athletes who have lit up the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. They have the physique and stamina to be great sevens players,” said Tietjens.

“The Kenyan team are great crowd pullers on the IRB Sevens World Series. They always attract massive support all over. I look forward to enjoying my stay and catching great rugby action too.”

Tietjens also had some advice for the Kenyan national team who had disappointing season on the IRB circuit. The Shuuja finished eighth in overall log and despite possessing a settled squad were not close breaking their Cup winning duck.

"Kenya are a very good side, they probably lack consistency at the moment. They lift themselves whenever they play New Zealand and Samoa but need to do the same against sides like Portugal and Canada.

“Kenya needs to build depth to cover injuries it is really important. They perhaps needs to bring in younger players to work with the senior players. ”

Williams in charge of Samurai

Samurai Barracudas will also be in attendance in Nairobi. The invitational powerhouse were given a late invitation to the tournament and will be coached by South Africa legend Chester Williams.

The winger starred in his country’s famous 1995 World Cup win and following retirement coached the South Africa Sevens to bronze medal glory at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, England.

He also led the side to second place on the 2001/2002 IRB Sevens World Series. Williams was guest of honour at the inaugural Safari Sevens in 1996.

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Kenya's Safaricom Sevens bigger and better

With thanks to Maik Kwambo & KRU