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Coach Benjamin Ayimba has reportedly been rewarded with a new three-year contract by the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU).

Although the details of the contracts have not been disclosed, Ayimba can now claim to be the first national rugby coach to be engaged on a full-time basis.

Kenya’s stock on the world Sevens stage has risen hugely through Ayimba’s reign with the side now a major player on the IRB circuit.

The revelations come as Ayimba was able to name what has become a familiar looking squad for the third and fourth legs of the International Rugby Board (IRB) World Sevens Series in Wellington and Las Vegas next month.

One notable change from George is the return of experienced Sidney Ashioya to the 12-man main squad to replace Wilson Opondo. As reported by UR7s yesterday, Kenya’s Shuuja will first head to Australia’s Northern Territory to play in Darwin’s Hottest Sevens, before embarking on Wellington.

"The National Sevens team has been an inspiration during the last 12 months, when we have been one of the form sides during the IRB Series and also featured in the World Cup semi finals," said coach Benjamin Ayimba.

"The team participated strongly at both the Dubai and South Africa Series events," the former captain added.

Kenya Squad for Darwin/Wellington/Las Vegas:

Squad: Humphrey Kayange (captain), Gibson Weru (vice captain), Lavin Asego, Innocent Simiyu, Sidney Ashioya, Brian Nyikuli, Victor Oduor, Collins Injera, Horace Otieno, Biko Adema, Andrew Amonde.
Travelling reserves: Leon Adongo, Patrice Agunda, Dennis Mwanja, Allan Onyango.
Officials: Benjamin Ayimba (Coach), Felix Ochieng (deputy coach), Oscar Osir (team manager), George Odhiambo (physio).