This archive report was first published on 15 September 2019.
Published on September 15, 2019, the 23rd edition of the Safari Sevens is set to be a thrilling event, with several top teams participating.
Among the teams expected to spice up the event are the former Safari Sevens champions, Elite Player Development from South Africa. The South Africans last featured at the Safari Sevens in 2012, where they defeated Kenya 21-17 to lift the title at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The team was coached by current Blitzbok Head Coach Neil Powell and featured current Blitzbok stars Justin Geduld and Werner Kok.
Other foreign teams that have entered the fray include World Sevens Series core side Spain, who lost 12-5 against Kenya's second-string side, Morans, in the bronze medal match at last year's tournament.
Spain, however, performed better than Kenya at the 2018-2019 World Sevens Series, finishing 12th with 49 points. Kenya, also a core in the World Series, survived relegation by reaching their only Cup quarterfinal in the last leg in France.
The East Africans finished 13th overall on 37 points.
Other foreign teams participating in the event include Samurai International from the United Kingdom, South African sides Western Province and Blue Bulls, current African Sevens champions Zimbabwe, Uganda, Russia Sevens Academy, Red Wailers, and French side Seventise.
As usual, Kenya will field two teams - Shujaa and Morans. Samurai dethroned 2017 winners Shujaa 21-14 in last year's final.
The winner of the African duel will also qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games.
