KCB Rugby’s Elvis Olukusi has opened up about how he earned the golden opportunity to represent Monaco Rugby Sevens at the prestigious In Extenso Supersevens in France.Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Olukusi revealed that the opportunity came unexpectedly after he received a text message from Monaco Rugby’s coach inviting him to join the squad for the 2026 Summer Edition of the Supersevens.##NAJAVA_MECA_9936493##For a player who had not anticipated such a call-up, the invitation presented an exciting chance to step outside his familiar environment and experience international club rugby.“I was very excited because I never expected to receive such an opportunity. It was a great feeling to be invited to join a team outside Kenya and compete at that level,” Olukusi said.The 2026 In Extenso Supersevens adopted a new format, with the summer circuit consisting of two two-day tournaments in Biarritz and Pau, replacing the previous three separate single-day legs.FKF Premier League club officials offer solution to league kick-off impasseOlukusi was part of a Monaco side that immediately showed its championship credentials, beginning the campaign with an outstanding performance in Biarritz on August 21 and 22.Monaco swept through the pool stage, defeating RC Toulon Sevens 19-5 before recording a convincing 17-0 victory over Racing 92 Sevens.They maintained their momentum in the knockout rounds, shutting out hosts Section Paloise 21-0 in the quarter-finals before edging Stade Toulousain 26-17 in a thrilling semi-final.Tusker return to continental stage with Al-Ahli Madani testIn the final, Monaco faced Toulon once again and completed a remarkable weekend with a 21-12 victory to lift the Biarritz stage title.For Olukusi, however, the tournament was about more than being part of a successful Monaco campaign.He had to adapt to a new environment quickly, understand his teammates and adjust to the demands of playing in a squad featuring players from different countries and rugby backgrounds.“It was challenging but also exciting because we had to focus on the details and understand each other’s roles. I was welcomed quickly, which made it easier to integrate into the team. Everyone was pushing each other to improve and progress,” he said.Dennis Oliech on how Gor Mahia can upset Pyramids in CAF Champions League clashThe experience also allowed the KCB player to measure himself against a higher level of competition.Playing alongside and against French international players gave him a valuable opportunity to learn, while also helping him develop greater confidence in his own abilities.“For me, it was mainly about gaining experience. Getting the opportunity to play with and against French international players, as well as players from other countries, really helped boost my confidence and develop my game,” Olukusi explained.Monaco’s impressive form continued when the circuit moved to Pau for the second and final summer stage on August 28 and 29.Having already won in Biarritz, Monaco entered the tournament among the teams to beat. They started their knockout campaign with a 17-7 victory over defending champions Union Bordeaux-Bègles in the quarter-finals.Former Nairobi United skipper sets ambitious continental target with TuskerTheir hopes of completing a clean sweep were, however, ended by Stade Toulousain, who beat them 31-14 in the semi-finals before going on to win the Pau tournament.Monaco responded by securing third place in Pau, a result that proved important in the overall standings.By combining their first-place finish in Biarritz with their third-place finish in Pau, Monaco secured a place in the In Extenso Supersevens Grand Final, which will be held at Paris La Défense Arena on February 6 and 7, 2027.Even while representing Monaco in France, Olukusi remained interested in what was happening back home with KCB Rugby.The Kenyan followed the club’s Driftwood 7s campaign, taking advantage of the fact that the matches were streamed.“Yes, I was following the campaign. The matches were being streamed, so I was able to keep up with the team and see how they were performing,” he said.His experience in France also offered him a different perspective on the opportunities available to Kenyan players.Gor Mahia captain sends message of hope to fans ahead of Pyramids clashOlukusi believes players hoping to attract international interest should concentrate on improving themselves on the pitch rather than chasing opportunities.“I think you just have to keep playing rugby and strive to be the best version of yourself. Then leave the rest to God. If you work hard and stay focused, opportunities will come,” he said.While his stint with Monaco was a one-off opportunity, Olukusi believes the experience will remain valuable to his development.“It was just a one-off opportunity,” he said when asked whether there had been discussions about continuing with the Monaco side.Looking back at their overall campaign, Olukusi credited the team’s ability to understand their individual responsibilities and work collectively.“Everyone in the team knew their job and understood their role. Collectively, we worked together to achieve the result. Finishing third in the second leg and first overall was a great achievement for the team,” he said.
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