Share

Kenya Sevens in disarray after govt sponsorship withdrawal

Nairobi - Kenya's preparations for next month's Rugby World Cup Sevens have been thrown into disarray by the government withdrawing its 20 million shilling ($189 000) sponsorship of the team on Thursday.

The decision was retaliation for a public protest against unpaid salaries last week during the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Paris, when national team players hid the 'Brand Kenya' logo on their shirts.

The sponsorship withdrawal has thrown the cash-strapped Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) into disarray with head coach, Innocent Simiyu being sacked and top officials going into a crisis meeting Friday to seek a new sponsor ahead of next month's World Cup.

Simiyu said it has been "a great honour" to coach Kenya's sevens team.

The Rugby World Cup Sevens - involving 24 men's and 16 women's teams - will take place in San Francisco, USA, from July 20-22.

Kenya has twice reached the semi-finals of the tournament in 2009 and 2013 in Dubai and Moscow, respectively.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE