Three changes were made to the Shujaa squad that will head out the Los Angeles and Vancouver legs of the 2023 World Rugby Sevens series.
Returning to the squad is the Mwamba duo of Billy Odhiambo and Daniel Taabu who missed out on the tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Head Coach Damian McGrath announced a debut for Brunson Madigu of the Strathmore Leos.
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“It’s 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,” McGrath noted.
On the return of Billy Odhiambo and Daniel Taabu, McGrath highlighted the experience that the two provide to the team.
McGrath also praised Daystar Falcons Floyd Wabwire who made his debut on the last trip.
“He(Wabwire) gained valuable insights both on and off the field as to how the world series works,” McGrath noted.
Speaking about Madigu’s inclusion, McGrath highlighted that the player is talented and the call-up will be a good chance for him to experience the world series.
McGrath noted that he took the approach of introducing the young players in the world series due to the lack of a development team to use.
Shujaa is currently placed 12th on the series log, with McGrath noting that the team managed to claw its way back up to within a touching distance of safety.
At Los Angeles, Shujaa is grouped together with Fiji, Australia and Japan in Pool C.
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