This archive report was first published on 7 May 2021.
Kenya Lionesses, the country's women's national rugby sevens team, has been withdrawn from the Rugby Africa Solidarity Camp in Tunisia due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the North African nation.
According to a statement by Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Honorary Secretary Ian Mugambi, the decision was made after consultations with Rugby Africa, the Kenya Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, and the Tunisian Rugby Federation.
‘Kenya Rugby Union has taken the decision to recall the Kenya Women’s National Sevens Team, The Lionesses, from the Rugby Africa Solidarity Camp in Tunisia in light of our state COVID 19 mitigation protocols,' Mugambi said.
The Lionesses had entered the camp last week and featured in the first tournament on Saturday and Sunday, winning six out of eight matches.
However, with Tunisia imposing mandatory quarantine, suspending school classes, and extending a nightly curfew to curb the spread of the virus, KRU deemed it necessary to withdraw the team from the camp.
‘We extend our sincere gratitude to Rugby Africa and the Tunisian Rugby Federation for facilitating this camp and hosting us,' Mugambi added.
The camp was aimed at preparing the Lionesses for the Olympics Games, but the withdrawal will likely impact their preparations.
