Scotland and French Renegades will add international pedigree to the 28th Safari Sevens after confirming they will field national-team players at the three-day tournament at Nyayo Stadium from October 9-11.

Scotland, who were among the core teams on the World Rugby Sevens Series before their relegation two years ago, are set to parade a strong squad for the tournament.

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Their line-up includes Alec Coombes, Reiss Cullen, Jordan Edmunds, Harvey Elms, Jamie Farndale, Jacob Henry, Grant Hughes and Lee Jones. French Renegades will also blend experienced national-team players with emerging talent, with Gregoire Arfeuil, Enahemo Artaud, Hugo Avogadro, Benoit Baby and Enzo Benmegal among those expected in Nairobi.

Kenya Shujaa and Kenya Morans will lead the local challenge in the men’s competition, alongside regular regional contenders Uganda and Zimbabwe, as well as UK outfit Shogun. The international field also includes Wellington Jaguars, Wonder 7s, Southern California Nomads, GEL Squad 7s and South Africa’s SportPesa Fast Forward. In the women’s competition, Kenya Lionesses and Kenya Cubs will face Uganda, Shibli, Costa Blanca Barbarians and Tunisia.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chief executive officer Thomas Odundo said several foreign teams have already arrived in the country, with Tunisia holding a 10-day training camp as part of its preparations and scheduled to play scrimmage matches against the Lionesses. “A good number of the teams are expected to arrive next week, from Tuesday or Wednesday, and they will have their captains’ runs on Friday at Nyayo Stadium,” Odundo said.

The tournament programme will begin on Friday with age-grade and veterans’ competitions before the senior tournament takes centre stage on Saturday and Sunday. “Preparations are on course, and I’m confident we will have a successful tournament,” Odundo said.

Odundo also revealed that more than 10,000 tickets had been sold by Thursday, with organisers targeting 15,000 for the tournament. “With one week remaining to the tournament, I believe the tickets will sell out. We have had a positive response from the fans and enthusiasts alike, and it shows the fans are hungry and passionate for the game,” he said. Odundo was speaking on Thursday when Kenya Breweries Limited, through its Tusker brand, announced a Ksh14 million sponsorship package for the tournament.

The Safari Sevens returns to Nyayo Stadium, with organisers expecting international players and a strong local following to provide a major boost to the tournament.