Innocent Simiyu sacked as Shujaa head coach.

The Kenya rugby union has announced that they have ended up affairs with the national men’s rugby seven’s tactician Innocent Simiyu following a string of unconvincing results in the recent days.

In a press release on Wednesday, KRU have also parted ways with is Michael Shamiah and Anthony Muchiri who were allied to “Namcos” at the technical bench.

Kenya Rugby Union statement on Innocent Simiyu departure.

In addition, the Kenya rugby governing body thanked the trio for the good work they offered to the team and wished them well in their future endeavours and announcing Simiyu’s successor, Darmian McGrath as the new manager in charge of the 2016 Singapore 7s champions.

“ We offer our sincerest thanks to Innocent, Michael and Anthony for their tireless efforts and extend our very best for the future ”, said KRU.

Canadian Darmian McGrath takes charge as the new trainer on a two year contract until 2024. The ex England manager has been teamed up to work with former Kenya international Kevin Wambua as the assistant coach and Geoffrey Kimani as the strength and conditioning coach.

Shujaa’s newly appointed coach Darmian McGrath in a past assignment with Canada national rugby team in 2016.

Darmian boasts close to thirty years coaching experience, having most recently led Germany 7s to victory at the World Rugby Challenger Series in Chile in 2020. He previously coached Canada 7s between 2016 and 2019, leading the Canadians to the cup title at the 2017 Singapore 7s.

Prior to the Canadian job, Damian was in charge of the Samoa 7s squad during the 2015-16 season, leading them to the cup title at the 2016 Paris 7s.

He also coached England 7s at the 2002 and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Glasgow as well as the 2005 Rugby World Cup 7s in Hong Kong.

Kevin Wambua, who has been a part of the Shujaa set up, will assist Damian in ensuring a seamless transition while Geoffrey Kimani takes up the Strength & Conditioning coaching role.

Kimani, who is part of the National Olympic Committee –Kenya Elite Performance set up, is no stranger to the Shujaa set up, and returns for a fourth stint, having previously served in the S & C role between 2007 and 2011, 2015-16 and 2017-18.