Nakuru RFC and Kenya Sevens centre Chrissant Ojwang is looking forward to stepping outside the familiar environment of the national team when he features in the inaugural Ultimate 7s next month.For Ojwang, the tournament presents a rare opportunity to learn from new teammates and broaden his understanding of the game.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsOjwang is among 10 Shujaa players included in the Kenyan contingent selected for the franchise-based competition, which will bring together more than 120 players from across the world, including Olympians, established HSBC SVNS stars, and emerging talents.Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Ojwang noted that the invitation caps a season in which he has enjoyed consistent game time, while remaining injury-free.##NAJAVA_MECA_9907022##"It has been a good year despite the ups and downs. The most important thing is to stay in the right frame of mind, remain physically fit, and be ready to play. Thankfully, I have managed to stay injury-free, so I'm in a good place," the eloquent player said.The Nakuru RFC star believes regular minutes on the National Sevens Circuit have helped him build confidence ahead of the global tournament."It has been about picking up from where I left off, building momentum one game at a time. Every match helps boost your confidence, which is very important for any player. I've had enough game time this season, so I feel well prepared,” he averred.While many international competitions see national teammates remain together, Ultimate 7s will mix players from different countries through a player draft, something Ojwang believes will accelerate his development.Samuel Asati backs Kenya to benefit from inaugural Ultimate 7s exposure"It's a great experience, both for the team and for me as an individual. You get the chance to meet players from different backgrounds, exchange ideas, and see how the game continues to grow. Instead of always playing alongside the same teammates in the national setup, this tournament allows us to play with different players and understand their styles.That's a huge plus for me personally, and also for the growth of the team. Through these experiences, we learn from each other, and develop a better understanding of rugby,” he said.Ojwang admitted the initial excitement of receiving the call-up quickly gave way to the realization that selection comes with heightened expectations.KCB dealt Driftwood Sevens blow after key player lands Monaco Rugby Sevens gig"Good news is always exciting, and naturally the first feeling is happiness. But once that excitement settles, you have to refocus because there's a job to be done. Selection comes with responsibility and pressure to perform. That's where your mentality is tested,” he said.Asked whether he had already been in contact with the teammates he will join in the competition, the centre kept his cards close to his chest."That's more of an in-house matter, so I'll plead the fifth,” he joked.Ojwang also encouraged young players hoping to follow in his footsteps to remain committed to the process regardless of the challenges they face."Always show up, stay disciplined, and give your best. You never know who is watching,” he said.Ojwang is one of 10 Shujaa players named in the Ultimate 7s draft pool alongside experienced campaigners Tony Omondi, Vincent Onyala and Samuel Asati. The group also includes: co-captain George Ooro, John Okoth, Kevin Wekesa, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo and Festus Shiasi.Floyd Wabwire named in star-studded squad for prestigious USA tournamentThe women's contingent features four Kenya Lionesses internationals: Freshia Odour, Sinaida Nyachio, Maureen Muritu and Sheila Chajira.The 14 Kenyans are part of a draft pool of more than 120 players competing for places across six franchises in the new competition.Ultimate 7s is a franchise-based international sevens championship launched under the BIA Sports Group banner. Six founding clubs: 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 will compete across a four-stop European tour.Each franchise will field men's and women's squads of 12 players, with coaches Philip Snyman, Shannon Fraser, Kelly Brazier, Maria Ribera, Crystal Kaua and Paco Hernández taking charge of the respective teams.##NAJAVA_MECA_9907014##Tournament organisers have already allocated 24 marquee players before the remaining places are filled through a five-round draft, where coaches will have just 45 seconds to make each selection. Every squad will consist of two marquee players, nine drafted elite players and one academy player, with the full squad lists expected to be confirmed after the draft concludes.The inaugural Ultimate 7s season begins on 5 September at Ontime Butarque Stadium in Madrid, before moving to Cardiff Arms Park on 12 September, Parc des Sports Aguilera in Biarritz on 18 September, and concluding with the Grand Final at London's Gtech Community Stadium on 24 September.Samuel Asati reveals how Kenya can build its own Rugby Premier League