Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira believes the selection of 14 Kenyan players for the inaugural Ultimate Sevens Championship is a clear indication of the rapid growth of rugby in the country.Chajira is among the Kenyan players set to feature in the new global sevens competition, which brings together some of the leading players from around the world across six franchise teams.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsFor the experienced forward, the growing presence of Kenyan players in international professional competitions reflects the emergence of new opportunities beyond the traditional national-team pathway.“It shows that rugby in Kenya is growing. Having an opportunity for our players to go and play professional rugby shows that it is no longer just about the national team or international competitions. Now, doors are opening for players to play professionally, and it means the dream is getting bigger and better," Chajira said.The development comes at a time when more Kenyan players are gaining exposure in overseas competitions. ##NAJAVA_MECA_9945924##Chajira pointed to tournaments such as the Rugby Premier League and France’s In Extenso Supersevens, which have featured Kenyan talent, as further evidence of the country's growing footprint in the global game.Chajira learned of her selection while attending training, making the announcement an especially memorable moment.“I got the news while I was in training. My head coach, Simon, came and told me that I had been drafted. That is a dream for any girl or woman playing rugby. Being part of such a big tournament is a dream come true," she said.Freshia Oduor set for dream opportunity alongside rugby idol at Ultimate 7sThe Lionesses skipper admitted she was surprised to hear her name called, given the depth of talent in women's rugby."When I first got the news, I was surprised because there are so many ladies playing good rugby. To be chosen from all those players made me feel so honoured. I am really proud of myself,” she added.Beyond the competition itself, Chajira is looking forward to the opportunity to broaden her experience by interacting with players from different rugby cultures.“What excites me most about the Ultimate 7s is the opportunity to meet new people, experience different cultures and share rugby knowledge. I am also looking forward to travelling, meeting other stars and learning from players from different parts of the world," she said. The Ultimate Sevens Championship has been designed as a new model for elite sevens rugby, combining men's and women's competitions under six franchise clubs.Leeon Nyang exorcises Embu demons with historic maiden National 7s Circuit title for Quins QueensEach franchise will field a 12-player men's side and a 12-player women's side, with the two competitions running simultaneously at each venue.The six founding franchises are Albion Athletic Sevens Club, Atlantic Novas Sevens Club, Foudre Bleue Sevens Club, Pacific Current Sevens Club, Clan Taran Sevens Club and Sol Feroz Sevens Club.Each squad will comprise two marquee players, nine elite players and one academy player.The draft process featured five rounds of selections after the allocation of two marquee players to each franchise, with coaches given only 45 seconds to make each pick.Details of Christie 7s' new trophy unveiled to mark 60th anniversary [PHOTOS]The six franchises are coached by Philip Snyman of Clan Taran, Shannon Fraser of Albion Athletic, Kelly Brazier of Atlantic Novas, Maria Ribera of Foudre Bleue, Crystal Kaua of Pacific Current and Paco Hernández of Sol Feroz.The championship will get underway in Madrid on 5 September before moving to Cardiff and Biarritz, with the inaugural campaign culminating in London.National 7s Circuit's role in propelling high-school stars to East African titleThe opening round will be staged at the Ontime Butarque Stadium in Madrid, Spain, on 5 September, followed by Cardiff Arms Park in Wales on 12 September. Round three will take place at Parc des Sports Aguilera in Biarritz, France, on 18 September, before the Grand Final at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium in London on 24 September.
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