NAIROBI, Kenya, April 13 – Kenya Harlequin head coach Paul ‘Pau’ Murunga and Menengai Oilers assistant Lawrence Buyachi are among four who have been named to head the franchises of the reconstituted Rugby Super Series (RSS).
Murunga, who clinched the tournament as a player with the Buffaloes in 2005, will be in charge of record champions Rhinos, assisted by Nondies boss Callum Oliver.
Headquartered in the capital, Rhinos comprise players from Kenya Harlequin, Nondescripts, Strathmore Leos, Daystar Falcons, Mean Machine and Mombasa.
Kenya Cup winner Buyachi will be tutoring Nakuru-based Cheetahs, made up of players from Menengai Oilers, Nakuru, Homeboyz, Impala, Kabarak University and University of Eldoret.
Another Nairobi-based side — consisting of KCB, Kenyatta University Blak Blad, Mwamba, JKUAT Cougars, South Coast Pirates and USIU Maritals — will be under the tutelage of former KCB player Oliver Mang’ eni, with  with Bernard Kibet as his deputy.
Mang’eni earned his coaching accreditation in rugby 15s and 7s in March last year, along with David Weru and Brian Hobson Omondi.
Meanwhile, Kabras RFC coach Maxwell Adaka will take charge of Kakamega-based Buffaloes, with the assistance of his counterpart Felix Ayange and Edwin Achayo.
Buffaloes are made up of Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar, Kisumu, Catholic Monks, Masinde Muliro and Western Bulls.
The month-long tournament kicks off on May 4 with the men’s teams facing each other over the first three match days at various venues, with the top two teams advancing to the final.
The coaching panel for the women’s franchises — Jaguars and Eagles — will be announced in due course.
