Andrew Oryada, Special to ESPN 6y

Kenya sack coach Simiyu ahead of Sevens World Cup

Rugby

Kenya has sacked head coach Innocent Simiyu, just 29 days before the Sevens World Cup starts in San Francisco next month.

The Union explained on the official website that Simiyu took full responsibility for the display that saw the playing unit blank out sponsor's branding during the Paris Sevens, which negatively impacted Kenya as a country and sponsor's image.

"The Kenya Rugby Union has mutually parted ways with Kenya Sevens Head Coach Innocent Simiyu effective immediately," the Union announced on Thursday night.

"We are fully aware that the Rugby World Cup Sevens is around the corner and are taking the necessary steps to ensure our participation.

Simiyu reportedly told the KRU tribunal that his players should not be held responsible for the sponsorship protest staged in Paris recently, but he should be held responsible instead.

The protest over unpaid allowances saw the Kenyan team abandon the 'Make It Kenya' logo on their jerseys.

The development of Simiyu's sacking comes hours after the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism in Kenya, Najib Balala ordered Brand Kenya to cancel a contract with Kenya Rugby Union over internal wrangles and non-payment of dues 

"It is very disappointing that we are having these challenges now and now Simiyu is sacked. But have the World Cup a few weeks from now and it's the wrong timing for this," a senior player who did not want to be mentioned told KweséESPN. 

Simiyu who took up the position of national coach in October 2016 and was expected to prepare the national team for the upcoming Sevens World Cup.

Last year Kenya 7s strength and conditioning coach Ian Gibbons was sacked less than six months into his contract.

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