SA Rugby team Western Province jets into Nairobi, to play Kenya.

Western Province Rugby team from S.Africa at JKIA

Western Province, one of South Africa’s best provincial sides, has today arrived in Kenya for a tour whose highlight will be an international friendly against Kenya this Saturday at the RFUEA Grounds during the Bamburi Rugby Super Series finals.

The fixture will be preceded by the highly anticipated Bamburi Rugby Super Series final pitting Nguvu Papa against UAP Kifaru. 

The friendly will be Kenya’s last build-up ahead of the forthcoming Confederation of African Rugby Division 1A championships in Madagascar which will serve as the final round to determine the qualifiers for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.  

On hand to receive the team on arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was the Kenya Rugby Union officials led by the Chairman Mwangi Muthee. He was accompanied by top officials from BRSS’ signature sponsors Bamburi Cement Group and Kenya Tourism Board.

Bamburi Corporate Affairs and Communications Director, Ms Susan

 Maingi greets KRU Chairman Mr Mwangi Muthee during the welcoming of the 

South African team Western Province, looking on is Executive Member of Western 

Province Rugby, Mr David Kagan.

"We are very thankful to the Western Province Rugby Union for their continued technical assistance to Kenyan rugby. They have shown great faith and belief in Kenya by sending us a very strong and capable side and I am sure that Saturday's fixture will be a treat for all Rugby lovers. Karibuni Kenya,” Mr. Muthee

Speaking during the briefing, Susan Maingi, Bamburi Cement Group’s Corporate Affairs and Communications Director said that Bamburi views sports in general and Rugby in particular as not only a valuable social activity that brings people together but also as a viable economic empowerment tool for Kenyan youth and people.

Susan Maingi, Bamburi Cement Group’sCorporate Affairs and Communications Director

“We expect an exhilarating weekend as the Bamburi Super Series comes to an exciting end and as the Kenyan team plays the Western Province team ahead of qualifying matches for the Rugby World Cup.” said Ms Maingi.

She added: “For Bamburi, the series is an important vehicle in connecting with Kenyans, who are at the very core of our business and success. The series resonates with our values of education and sustainable development as we see talent being nurtured and honed to the next level in this sport.”

On her part, Jacinta Nzioka Director of Marketing, Kenya Tourism Board welcomed the team to Kenya. She noted that counties are fast realizing the economic benefit of sports tourism and investing in facilities to attract more events.

“Counties such as Machakos, Uasin Gichu, Muranga, Kitui and Nakuru are already taking advantage of the huge and largely untapped potential of sports tourism in Kenya and making the necessary investments. This is a trend that should be lauded and encouraged,” added Ms Nzioka.

Jacinta Nzioka Director of Marketing,
Kenya Tourism Board

“I note with satisfaction that besides the international friendly with the Kenyan national Rugby team lined up for this Saturday, you shall also have a chance to sample our tourism product and world-renowned hospitality. Please feel most welcome. Karibu,” she concluded.

The South Africans have included seven players with Super Rugby experience in their travelling party. They include Michael van der Spuy, Dylan Frylink, Gary van Aswegen, Devon Williams, Jean Kleyn, Sithembiso Sithole and Stephan Coetzee. They will also feature many other players who took part in the recently concluded Vodacom Cup. 

Western Province Head Coach Mr John Dobson speaks following his team’s arrival at JKIA.