Menengai Oilers halfback Glacious Owino is set to make his Kenya Sevens debut at the 28th edition of the Safari 7s slated for Friday, 9 to Sunday, 11 October.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThis comes after an impressive campaign on the National 7s Circuit and a title-winning outing with the Kenya Morans in Mauritius.Owino was among the standout performers as the Morans lifted the Africa Men’s 7s title over the weekend, earning promotion to the Shujaa squad alongside fellow debutants Elvis Olukusi and Kabras RFC youngster Rayvon Ambale.From cricket to Kenya’s most lethal scrum-half: The story of Samuel AsatiHis promotion to the national team comes after a breakthrough domestic season in which he established himself as one of the country's most promising halfbacks.Owino's numbers underline the impact he had throughout the National 7s Circuit.The Menengai Oilers star featured in 34 matches, scoring 258 points and 24 tries while providing five assists, making 12 breaks and beating 21 defenders. He also completed 55 tackles, won two turnovers and made 32 carries.##NAJAVA_MECA_10010068##His attacking contribution was particularly impressive. Owino registered an attacking rating of 8.0, with his 24 tries complemented by 27 successful conversions from 46 attempts, giving him a 59 per cent goal-kicking efficiency.He also recorded an impressive 97 per cent pass accuracy and an offensive impact rating of 303.8 according to Tisini.On average, the halfback contributed 7.6 points and 0.7 tries per match, while maintaining a 90.5 per cent ball-handling efficiency. His overall circuit rating stood at 6.8.Safari Sevens at 28: A look into the illustrious history of Africa's premier rugby festivalThe 2026 season also charted Owino's steady development as the campaign progressed.His overall rating rose from 6.3 at the Prinsloo 7s to 7.7 at the Dala 7s before settling at 7.2 at Kabeberi. Despite a dip at Driftwood, he recovered at Embu and finished the circuit with a 7.0 rating at the Christie 7s.His attacking numbers were even more striking, peaking at 9.5 at Dala, followed by 9.2 at Kabeberi and 8.5 at Christie.##NAJAVA_MECA_10010065##That attacking threat was evident in Kisumu, where Owino finished as both the tournament's top try scorer and leading points scorer.He followed that performance with another dominant showing at Kabeberi, securing a second consecutive double as Top Points Scorer and Top Try Scorer.While his attacking qualities have attracted attention, Owino has also demonstrated a willingness to contribute defensively. He completed 55 tackles at a 76 per cent success rate, although he missed 17 tackles and won two turnovers. His defensive rating for the circuit was 5.7.First Kenyan referee to officiate at IRB Series on how rugby has evolved since the 90sHis performances earned him a place in the Morans squad for the Mauritius Sevens, where he played a key role in Kenya's continental triumph.That success has now opened the door to the senior national team, with Owino set to line up alongside Olukusi and Ambale as Shujaa begin their Safari 7s title defence.The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has named a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent for the tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_10009355##Co-captains George Ooro and Samuel Asati will provide leadership, with John Okoth, Gabriel Ayimba and Brian Mutua adding international experience.Olukusi, fresh from helping Kenya to victory in Mauritius, will make his first Shujaa appearance, while Owino and Ambale will form a youthful halfback combination looking to inject creativity and attacking flair into the defending champions.Nygel Amaitsa and Festus Safari are also included, alongside the pace and finishing ability of Patrick Odongo and Victor Odhiambo.Inside Kenya Rugby’s plan to transform Kenya Simbas and 15s rugbyWhile Shujaa will be focused on retaining the Safari 7s crown, the Morans will use the tournament to continue developing Kenya's next generation of sevens talent.The side will be co-captained by Clinton Amukwachi and Dennis Ndayala and features six players set to make their Morans debuts.Mathias Osimbo, Stanslaus Shikoli, Patrick Kluivert, Kabras Sugar's Mike Lukusi, Kisumu RFC's Harrison Mauve and Brighton Omondi have all earned their opportunities after impressing during the domestic National 7s Circuit##NAJAVA_MECA_10009342##Shujaa squad: John Okoth, George Ooro (CC), Elvis Olukusi, Gabriel Ayimba, Brian Mutua, Samuel Asati (CC), Glacious Owino, Rayvon Olindi, Nygel Amaitsa, Festus Safari, Patrick Odongo, Victor OdhiamboMorans squad: Clinton Amukwachi (CC), Mathias Osimbo, Stanslaus Shikoli, Patrick Sabatia, Patrick Kluivert, Eugene Ojiambo, Mike Lukusi, Dennis Ndayala. (CC), Arnold Agonda, Lucky Onyango, Harrison Mauve, Brighton Omondi
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