Quins' Dennis Muhanji misses out on 15s squad

Kenya Harlequin centre Dennis Muhanji is the surprise exclusion from Kenya 15s training squad selected to prepare for several international assignments.

Also missing out in the 39-man squad are Kenya Commercial Bank‘s (KCB) back three Allan Omuka and Kabras Sugar’s scrum half Edwin Achayo.

While Omuka has been slotted in Kenya “A” side, the rest do not featured anywhere.

“Muhanji was in the training squad but we have left him out since he is with the Kenyan Sevens,” said deputy coach Dominique Habimana.

“We are considering Omuka for Elgon Cup while Achayo has a long term ankle injury.”

Kenya 15s is set to start its international fixtures with a home test against Portugal on May 30 before playing away to Zimbabwe in the first of its Africa Rugby Division 1A fixtures on June 13.

They will then host Tunisia in their second Division 1A encounter on June 28, play at home to Spain on July 18 before winding up with a Division 1A match away to Namibia on August 8.

Eleven players have been selected to the Kenya “A” training squad that will do duty against Uganda in the Elgon Cup.

“We shall be required to recruit more for the Elgon Cup,” said Habimana.

Kenya edged out Namibia 29-22 and Madagascar 34-0 during the 2014 Africa Cup that doubled as the 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifiers but their efforts counted for nothing after they lost 10-28 to Zimbabwe during the tourney staged in Madagascar.

Trailing 14-21 from the first leg in Kampala, Kenya “A” romped to a 34-0 win in the return fixture that saw them win the Elgon Cup 48-21 on aggregate.

SQUAD

Loose-head props: Moses Amusala (KCB), Giles Littlewood (Nakuru).

Tight-head props: Curtis Lilako (KCB), Isaiah Nyariki (Nakuru), Duncan Mwangi (Kabras Sugar)

Hookers: Sammy Warui (Nakuru), Peter Kaaria (KCB), Mugambi Kithamba (Strathmore Leos)

Locks: Wilson Kopondo (Kenya Harlequin), Ronnie Mwenesi (Nondies), Eric Kerre (Impala Saracens), Michael Gitau (Strathmore Leos), Oliver Mangeni (KCB), Martin Owila (Nakuru), George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar)

Back rows: Mike Okombe (Nakuru), Charles Omondi (Strathmore Leos), Brian Nyikuli (Strathmore Leos), Dalmas Chituyi (Nakuru), Davis Chenge (Western Bulls), Lawrence Buyachi (Nakuru), Max Adaka (KCB), Joshua Chisanga (Homeboyz)

Scrum-halves: Lyle Asiligwa (Kenya Harlequin), Robert Aringo (Impala Saracens)

Fly-halves: Kenny Andola (Strathmore Leos), Isaac Adimo (Kenya Harlequin), Brian Beckham (Nondies)

Centres: Nick Barasa (Kabras Sugar), Kelvin Omiyo (Top Fry Nakuru), Fabian Olando (KCB),Edwin Okemwa (Nakuru),Samuel Motari (Strathmore Leos)

Back-threes: Collins Wanjala (KCB),Ian Minjire(Impala Saracens), Jacob Ojee (KCB),Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Vincent Mose (Impala Saracens),Sammy Oliech (Impala Saracens)

KENYA “A” SQUAD

Forwards: Francis Akatu (Mwamba), Joseph Maina (Nakuru), Brian Otieno (Mwamba), Emmanuel Mavala (Homeboyz), Davis Makori (Impala Saracens)

Backs: Francis Wayodi (Mwamba), Kelvin Masai (Homeboyz), Harun Lubisia (Homeboyz), Allan Omuka (KCB), Alvin Otieno (Homeboyz), Alex Olaba (Strathmore Leos).