NAIROBI, Kenya, June 12 – Argentina have pulled out of next weekend’s Tusker Safari Sevens. 
Kenya Rugby Football Union Richard Omwela said that some of the Pumas will be involved in Saturday’s test match against England and the South American side will not be able to raise a team in time for Africa’s premier rugby event.
“Those players will feature in the international against England tomorrow (Saturday) which makes difficult for them to recover for the tournament,” said Omwela.
Tunisia will also not be turning up because they have a home and away fixture against Uganda this weekend and next that will put a strain on their playing resources.
He also confirmed that former champions Samoa will be returning for their second stint in the tournament.
Japan, Zambia, Bristol University amongst others will also be returning as well as Samurai who five Welsh players that were part of the sevens world cup winning squad.
“This is a good development for us as we will be able to see the players that one the world cup in the flesh,” said Omwela who spoke on Friday at the launch of Supersport’s broadcast of the Safari Sevens.
The pan African sports channel will cover the every match live from the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA).
“We would like to see that what we are doing here is a starting point, not just to make the Safari sevens a great sporting event but over the next few years, turning into something recognizable that people want to be part of and want to see,” said Supersport Head of Africa Gary Rathbone.
Rathbone who is now resident in Kenya acknowledged the country as being a hotbed for sporting talent.
“What we (Supersport) have learnt is that Kenyans have a passion for sport which in essence is what we want to capture,” said Rathbone.
“Kenya has experienced great heights not just in rugby, but football, cricket and most notably athletics,” he added.
