Tactical battle set as KRU confirm star-studded coaching Lineup for 2024 Rugby Super Series

The 2024 Rugby Super Series is now living up to the hype after Kenya Rugby Union confirmed the coaching lineups for various teams set to participate in the much-awaited tournament.

In the list released on Saturday, April 13, the Men’s teams Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Lions, and Rhinos, will be led by top rugby tacticians in the country.

Two-time Kenya Cup winner with Nakuru RFC, Lawrence Buyachi will take charge of the Cheetahs in the Super Series tournament. Buyachi who helped Kisumu to finish second in the second tier KRU Championship earning promotion back to the Kenya Cup in 2022, will be assisted by Simon Wariuki.

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Kenya Harlequin head coach Paul 'Pau' Murunga will take charge of record champions Rhinos with Callum Oliver serving as his assistant.

Murunga, who won the tournament as a player with the Buffaloes in 2005 and the Lions in 2008, will be looking to clinch the 2024 Rugby Super Series and exert his dominance in the coaching arena.

Murunga and Buyachi will face stiff competition from Maxwell Adaka who will be drilling the Buffaloes assisted by Felix Ayange and Edwin Achayo.

The Lions will be coached by former Kenyan international Oliver Mang’eni and Bernard Kibet.

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Different Franchises

Record champions Rhinos, based in Nairobi will feature players from Kenya Harlequin, Nondescripts, Strathmore Leos, Daystar Falcons, Mean Machine and Mombasa.

Buyachi coached side based in Nakuru will consist of Menengai Oilers, Nakuru, Homeboyz, Impala, Kabarak University and University of Eldoret while the Lions franchise comprises KCB, Kenyatta University Blak Blad, Mwamba, JKUAT Cougars, South Coast Pirates and USIU Maritals.

The Buffaloes under the leadership of Adaka will be based in Kakamega and consist of Kabras Sugar, Kisumu, Catholic Monks, Masinde Muliro and Western Bulls.

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The men’s Format will see each team facing off against the others over the first three match days at various venues, with the top two teams advancing to the final.

The Rugby Super Series which returned after a ten-year hiatus will take place on four Saturdays in May 2024.

Rugby Super Series Men’s Team Coaches

BUFFALOES

Head Coach: Max Adaka

Assistant Coaches: Felix Ayange, Edwin Achayo

Physios: Phil Odidi, Redempta Chepwogen

TMs: Geoffrey Messo, Wilson Omondi

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CHEETAHS

Head Coach: Lawrence Buyachi

Assistant Coach: Simon Wariuki

Physio: Elly Otieno

TM: Geoffrey Ominde

LIONS

Head Coach: Oliver Mang’eni

Assistant Coach: Bernard Kibet

Team Manager: Gerald Ogutu

Physio: Joseph Koli

RHINOS

Head Coach: Paul Murunga

Assistant Coach: Callum Oliver

Team Manager: Kevin Were

Physio: Gerald Omondi, Kennedy Barua

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MEN’S FIXTURES

Saturday 4 May 2024 | KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka, Nairobi

2pm | Buffaloes v Cheetahs

4pm | Lions v Rhinos

Saturday 11 May 2024 | Nakuru Athletic Club, Nakuru

2pm | Buffaloes v Rhinos

4pm | Cheetahs v Lions

Saturday 18 May 2024 | Bullring, Kakamega

2pm | Rhinos v Cheetahs

4pm | Buffaloes v Lions

Saturday 25 May 2024 | RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi

2pm | Rank 3 v Rank 4

4pm | Rank 1 v Rank 2