CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 25, 2024 -- Celebrating Kenya's victory against Uruguay at the 2024 World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger in Dubai, Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, issues a message of congratulations addressed to Sasha Mutai, President of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU):

Dear Sasha,

I'd like to warmly congratulate the Kenyan men and women on their extraordinary results in the first stage of the competition series.

You have done Africa proud and this comes at a time when we are experiencing changing horizons and it is becoming increasingly difficult for Africa to stay in touch, but this victory and performances show once again that the real talent in Africa is here.

Funding will always be an issue, and I know that the challenger series will cost you between $300,000 and $400,000 a time, a fact that hasn't escaped me or my executive committee.

As we look to the future, we continue to look for new ways to raise funds, putting pressure on governments, institutions and sponsors.

We're also asking World Rugby to change the way it looks at its own funding models, but for now, Sasha, it's been a great success and I offer you my congratulations.

It is through unity and a strong sense of purpose that we can all succeed.

Herbert Mensah
President of Rugby Africa