NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 20 – Ahead of his debut tournament in the World Rugby Sevens Series in Hamilton, New Zealand this weekend, Shujaa rookie John Okoth hopes to cement a regular place in the team and play more.
The 22-year old who has featured for the Simbas has earned his first ever call up for the shorter version of the game.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be here with the Sevens team. When everyone starts playing rugby, they always eye playing at the top level and I really feel pleased to be going out there with this team,” said Okoth.
He was one of the star upcoming players for the Simbas side under coach Paul Odera, having been part of the team that endured the tough journey of the 2023 15s World Cup qualifiers, all the way to the repechage tournament.
Though the expectations are different in both versions of the game, Okoth hopes he can use the experience from the Simbas to cement a permanent role with the Shujaa.
“The tempo of the game is quite different in the 15s and 7s. But with the experience from the Simbas, I believe I am a bit prepared to take on this challenge and I am looking forward to doing well with the team,” the centre stated.
Coach Damian McGrath said he was pleased with what he saw with Okoth, noting he will be a very good cover to Vincent Onyala who will be out of the next two tournaments.
And now, the Menengai Oilers man wants to take his chance and become a more regular figure for McGrath’s men.
“I have trained with the team for almost three weeks and I can say it has been a good experience. I have gelled in quite well and the target is to keep improving. I want to play more tournaments and showcase my talent and hopefully, this lands me on a move to play professionally abroad,” he added.
Okoth has disclosed that the team’s target over the next two legs of the Series in Hamilton and Sydney is in the least, qualification to the Cup quarters and he hopes to play his role in the realization of this target.
