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NAIROBI, June 29 (Xinhua) — International Rugby Players Association will petition World Rugby Organization to reprimand Kenya and push it to improve Sevens team players’ welfare ahead of the World Cup, which starts in San Francisco, USA from July 20-22.
International Rugby Players Welfare Manager Isaac Boss said it will be hard for the Kenya team to focus on the World Cup yet they have family demands and pending bills.
“International Rugby Players will be officially contacting the Kenyan Rugby Union to address these concerns and will also raise the issue with World Rugby in due course,” said Boss in a statement.
This will be a major boost for Kenyan players who are digging deep to have their welfare sorted and allowances paid.
Kenya are currently embroiled in a row with their Union, who have withheld salaries and commercial payments to players.
The team coach, Innocent Simiyu, was fired last week but has since been reinstated after the Kenyan Government intervened.
This was after players taping up sponsors’ branding on their jerseys at the recent Paris 7s, the final leg of the World Series. The players have also raised concerns over poor training facilities and short-term contracts.
“We are supporting the Kenya 7s players who have not been paid what’s owed to them for months, as well trying to make a living on temporary contracts. Players have families and bills to pay. Not good enough anymore,” said Boss.
International Rugby Players decried the huge gap in welfare between tier two countries and the other countries that run their sports professionally.
“All these teams are expected to compete against tier one unions, yet they are fighting for basic pay and conditions against those who should be supporting them. Peace of mind is key to performance. The boys have obligations, personal and family commitments and bills to pay. It’s unrealistic for teams to be competitive if they are worrying about these issues ahead of major international tournaments, like the forthcoming Rugby World Cup 7s,” said Boss.
“The players have only eight month contracts, which adds to the uncertainty. Kenya Rugby Union need to step up and urgently address this whole situation.”
Kenya team is due to resume training on Monday after boycotting their preparations since last week. Kenya start their campaign at the World Cup against Tonga with the winner meeting Scotland.

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