Happy New Year - 2011

A Rugby World Cup year and much more rugby to look forward to on the world scene. Once more we are on the sidelines and wondering when we will grace that event. Though gracing is not much to look forward to as the divide between the nations is so great. And with the wrangles in CAR and a potential breakaway from it, the hope for developing rugby in Africa quickly is fast fading. But that was not mine for today.

The year 2010 stood out for me in that we finally made some attempt to structure our season in a sensible way and it may have worked for us. The shortened Kenya Cup was a price to pay and as I have advocated for in the past, sometimes things need to be done by fiat and not consensus, or else too many vested interests play in, and kudos for that.

In that revised format, we had the floodlit tournament, won by Impala quickly followed by the Kenya, taken by Quins. The Rugby Super Series followed and this went Rhinos way and paved way for the international season. Here Kenya swept all opponents and must be the first time to obtain a 100% win record. The new Kenya Cup season is underway and at the halfway stage at time of writing. Quins lead the pack, followed by Impala then Mwamba.

On the sevens front our national side started off strong before quickly fading. The slide has continued into the first legs of the new circuit and hopefully will be stemmed after people realise it affects us all, not just some individuals. The Safaricom Sevens also came and with greatly increased seating capacity, a much better experience. Though I will never leave my mantra - facility sharing. Makes sense and done the world over! The local sevens circuit was good, though not very revealing. Mwamba swept all and sundry aside to scoop the diadem and only natural attrition can stop this side from dominating the local sevens scene for a long time to come. The Shujaa side also played in a record number of tournaments this year, though I do not see where it is leading to as we just seem content to send a side..

On other matters the KRU advertised for two key positions recently, though not the one people expected the most. This should be the trend for all positions falling vacant and even for procurement of goods and services to the union. All in all, I had an enjoyable year and most of all, the blog has really picked. I like the banter but not the insults that only come from one corner. Let's hope people come into the new year, focused and ready to work, on improving Rugby in Kenya.

Do have a Happy New Year and I wish you all a Prosperous 2011.

Happy Holidays 2010

On behalf of all my fellow bloggers and I, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My year summary will come before the end of the year but this is just a season's greeting and for those taking a break/holiday, do enjoy your rest. For those traveling, do stay safe and for those still in the grind, keep up the effort.

From all us bloggers, some dormant, some shy, some controversial and others just lazy, Happy Holidays. And from me to the bloggers, mimic Santa on the left here, and whatever the cause, don't drop the ball. Keep your eye on the prize and enjoy your writing.

To the readers also, some silent, some loud, some controversial and others just curious, you are what keeps us going. Without you we would merely retreat back to our dark corners and whinge like the rest. Keep the comments coming as they keep the blog alive and keep the spirit of the blog, so that we all enjoy coming here.

Do take care and have fun.

Letter to the Chairman KRFU

Dear Richard Omwela,

Fast and foremost the rugby fraternity congratulate you on your
election as CAR executive member once again. Their is no doubt that
you are a major player on the continental scene. East Africa is well
represented with the Ugandan chairman also sitting with you in the
same committee. The Ghanian lady has done well as well and she will be
good for the game of women's rugby in Africa. To be honest we had no
clue there was rugby in Ghana. It is hoped their women don't come and
overtake ours who are already struggling here with Mwamba (Kulabu)
being the only avenue for womens rugby in Kenya. I hope your ambition
in CAR just doesn't stop there and you are actually aiming higher.
George Kariuki was the big CAR man but in typical fashion he let it go
to Kenya's loss. Score C plus

I want to address the issue of your administration. There is no doubt
you have passion for the game but you are leading a Union a group of
individuals hostile to your leadership. Sabwa, Odhiambo, Ollows and
the absentee Treasurer are definitely not reading from the same script
as you. And with the shadow of Mad Max Muniafu hoovering around these
guys want you out. Incidentally how did you make Muniafu the chairman
of the gala awards? Do you remember Barclays RFC? Wish you played
there then you would have known why Hanzi washed his hands off that
lot. Ombisi and Moturi are lightweights who don't see more than beyond
their clubs. The Western Union sponsorship is maybe their effort but
the GM will lay claim to it. Rombo, Nginja and GM Gecheo maybe your
only sympathisers but only just. The lady and the the co-opted fellow
owe their allegiance not to you. The secretariat is definitely not
yours. In this case your situation is akin to Uhuru Kenyatta's and his
leadership of KANU though in your case you actually sit with your
rivals at board meetings and take charge. In matters running the game
the Union has clearly gone off tangent. The Ministry of Rugby clearly
has ruffled and threatened your existence. They know their place in
rugby. Does KRFU know its place? Score D plus.

On Sponsorships you have managed to get millions for Safaricom Sevens,
Bamburi Series, Western Union and Kenya Airways. Then why has it not
been possible to get the same for the Kenya Cup, Enterprise, Eric
Shirlye and Mwamba Cup? These are the main prestigious tournaments.
Even Uganda has a league sponsor every year in year out. Why does the
national 15's not have a sponsor? On that note why have the 15's
players allowances not been paid in full. These are some of the issues
that put a blot on the sometimes good efforts of the Union and they
are what will be remembered more. Score C plus

Now penultimately the Kenya Sevens team. The buck stops with you Mr.
Omwela. You have constantly backed Ayimba whose time has sadly come to
an end your personal financial relationship not withstanding. Thank
him and relieve him of his duties or you will drown with him in this
miasma. Your rivals are preparing Mitch Ocholla as the next sevens
coach. Smell the coffee and take over that move and rope in Paul
Odera. You must always lead any successful venture within the Union so
start owning the process of letting go of Ayimba. And also be
transparent about this process. This is where KRFU have always had a
weakness and that is why your organisation is always singing lack of
funds? Is that really true considering you are buying land next door.
With regards to the kit fiasco in Dubai you owe the country an
apology. And whoever was responsible for that embarrassing fiasco
needs to be shown the door to boot. If he was next door can you
imagine what would have happened? Score F

Now finally use that committee you set up and ultimately get rid of
Sabwa and his crew. Change the constitution and you will be much
happier with Sasha Mutai as your Secretary of the Union. Otherwise
Muthee Mwangi and Nduati with others (not neccessarily as one) are
coming for your neck.

Mr. KRFU Chairman Richard Omwela - SMELL THE COFFEE

PS. Pass by HQ one of these days.

IRB 7's Wellington : Kenya in another tough pool in New Zealand.

It does not get easier for Kenya in Wellington. Good luck Ayimba and
the boys. This is something to think about for Christmas.

Pool C : Samoa, Australia, Kenya, Tonga.

Kenya Draw Samoa and Australia in Tough Pool C

It actually only get's tougher. Tonga complete this group in New Zealand that has England as top seeds followed by New Zealand, circuit leaders and runners' up respectively. Do we get a chance to redeem ourselves or continue our hapless fall? Only time will tell.

Weekly Ramble

Just felt I needed to put my two cents in. Regular readers on this blog know where I stand. And to me it is fairly simple. Someone is clueless. I have always been against the people taking accolades for when things are good and pointing fingers when they are bad. And it is a vicious cycle that will always continue unless we break it. Without going to specifics, only one constant has remained and that must be the problem. We have experimented or given credence to different variables but so long as the constant remains, it must have a bearing on everything, both good and bad. The environment has not changed, and it is not changing. Until we put systems in place, we are going to be junkies. High one minute, low the next, without realising just why it is happening. I spoke about monkeys last week and I'm dead serious. So long as the forest remains the same, nothing really changes. So until we change the forest, let us not hold our hopes too high.

We as the public are also to blame. With unrealistic expectations. I said this last year.. what have we invested in the team to expect them to win a leg of the circuit? What have we invested in terms of a structure or feeder program to keep churning out players? Will our perennial excuse be unavailability of players? So what do we do to make these players available? Oh, and there is such a thing as ageing that makes players permanently unavailable! So how do we mitigate against this? Or what plans are in place? With the public expectation at an all time high, what chance does the coach have to blood in new players? Though some players on the current team would not pass RUG 101: Catch and Pass, that is a failure of the whole system, not them as individuals. And our inability to graduate them as quickly as possible to RUG 499: Total Rugby, is also a failure of us all. Basic skill is our fall back and without that we have nowhere to go. And that is also severely lacking. And I'm rambling, sorry, just venting.

What next then you ask? Change the constant and move the variables around. You might just build something, or come up with a new formula - one that works.

Have a good rest of the week guys.

IRB George Sevens Update - Kenya 5 Zimbabwe 15

Sums it all. Have a good weekend.

IRB George 7's Update - Kenya 41 Namibia 0

A bit better. Obvious luck of some basic skills and awareness, but our first win this weekend all the same.

IRB George 7's Update - Kenya 5 Portugal 7

Lacked ideas in scoring, but some positive things. Finishing also non existent. We drop to the Shield Semis.

IRB 7's George : Russia thump Kenya

Russia 34 Kenya 5

Namcos Simiyu red carded.

IRB 7's George : England send Kenya packing

England 21 Kenya 5

Kenya now in Bowl.

IRB 7's : New Zealand All Blacks 47 Kenya 0

Kenya whipped 47-0 by All Blacks in George 7's.

IRB 7's George: Kenya in tough pool

Kenya are in Pool C of the IRB 7's George leg where they are placed
with New Zealand All Blacks, England and Russia. Innocent 'Namcos'
Simiyu is the new addition to the team as Peter Ocholla makes way.

Namcos will be a much required spark relieving captain Humphrey
Kayange who was overworked in Dubai. Leon Adongo could be useful as he
fits into the shoes of the missing Collins Injera.

Pool C: New Zealand, England, Kenya, Russia

Go Kenya Go.

Weekly Ramble

Possibly my last for the year. Long deserved holiday coming up and I intend to fully utilise it. The speed with which this year has gone has left me gasping and I need a clean fresh start come the new year.

Mine for today. I have always wondered on this blog why we are so concerned with who? as opposed to what? Call it colonial mentality, call it our upbringing or call it our conditioning, that seems to be our national psyche! If I say something on this blog, it is good or bad depending on who I am? If a wrong occurs, I am not supposed to point it out because of who I am? And if I face hardship, it is because of who I am, or are not? But I digress.

I am a believer in systems and patterns (throw in institutions). I do not believe in individuals. A poster that was once in the KRU office declared "There is no I in TEAM", and that shaped a lot of my thoughts. My last team building exercise also taught me that TEAM=Together Everyone Achieves More...ooops, I'm digressing again.

So long as we are so concerned about who is doing what or who is in the team and not building institutions and structures and working at patterns, we are doomed to digress (full pun intended there). We are building our strategies around personalities and not round institutions or structures. We are grooming successors for certain things and not looking at the facts on the ground. The fact that one falls out of favour should not mean we stop working on building things around them. And the fact that one feels embattled also does not mean they should bring down everything they have built.

Now I'm rambling, but that's what this is, isn't it. Let us not personalise success or failure. We are all in this thing. A pained KRU official cried on his profile that why do people think they are out to sabotage the team? I agree with him, not possible. But actions will always speak louder than words! For our collective good, I once more appeal, let us harness our collective energies in a positive direction. Pointing out shortcomings is not negative, just what we call a peer review. And part of getting stronger is admitting your failings and improving on your shortcomings.

As a parting shot, remember the story of the forest and the monkeys? Let's go one step further. Let us not be like the Three Wise Monkeys or the Five Little Monkeys.. let us be bold and move on.

Do have a good week and Happy Holidays to you all.

Kenya Cup - Week 9

Sorry was MIA for the pre-match post. Factors beyond my control. KCB came close to handing Quins their first defeat of the season but it was not to be. Machine also came close but only too close. Strathmore, well they are trying.

Table standings see Quins on top with the maximum available points. Impala lie second, Mwamba third and KCB fourth. The fixtures as usual have been reshuffled (wonder who is to blame for this afterthought now) but for me it is better this way. No more rest weekends and the last games pit the top four at half time against each other, though this may mean nothing for now as what has happened is now gone.

For our Dubai performance I said it a long time ago. My thoughts... we have a so called Academy that had players last season. Have they moved up into the main squad this season or been discarded? If they are/were not capable of moving up was our selection of them flawed, or were we unable to get them up to scratch. And we again have academy players this season. Just what is this academy if we cannot groom players for tomorrow out of this?

Kenya Cup Results 4.12.10

Quins snatch victory from KCB
Mwamba stretched by Strathmore
Nondies in comeback win over Machine

Quins 30 KCB 24
Mwamba 32 Strathmore Leos 21
Nondies 14 Mean Machine 13

Hard luck Machine.

Dubai Rugby Sevens Result - Kenya 26 France 0

Consolation at least, won the Shield Competition. Have a good weekend.

Dubai rugby Sevens Result - Kenya 19 Portugal 12

At last some semblance of organisation. Better commitment of defense. Khayange worked his *** off and let from the front. One try from him and two from Andrew Amonde. We're now in the shield finals and will meet France at 18.20 EAT.

Guest Post - From the Ladies in Dubai - 2

I missed doing a post yesterday as promised and since we have been overtaken by events I’ll dive right into today’s current affairs.

Day 3 and final day for theIRB Dubai HSBC 7s, & day 2 for the women’s tournament.

Yesterday’s scores for Kenya Lionesses v:

Kenya 10 Khimki 7

Kenya 20 Burevestnik 0

Kenya 0 Samurai Dubai 25

Kenya come second in pool C and move into main cup quarter finals today at 1040hrs against Rugby Ecosse Feminin who topped their pool D.

No. 1 & 2 in the pools play main cup quarters today, No. 3 & 4 play plate quarters today.

I would like to recognize Willy Ombisi, 7s director KRU who is sort of in our ‘camp’. He officially opened our training session back in October when we started preparations. He is with us in Dubai, delicately balancing his time & attention between the women and men. & most probably has been to the watembezi & homeboys camp as well. The women’s team have hardly ever received this much moral and personal support from a director, thanks Willy!

We arrive Kenya tomorrow Sunday at 6.40am

Now back to the business at hand, we need to reach the main cup…

Dubai rugby Sevens Result - Kenya 0 Argentina 43

Don't cry for us, but maybe we deserved it. Won all the stats except points scored. Drop to the shield competition.

Dubai Rugby Sevens Result - Kenya 6 Samoa 26

The defending Series Champions did not let us get into our strides. And the rookies were forced in and cut their teeth. Sole try by Ben Nyambu. Oh, and we look good in the new kit.

Dubai Rugby Sevens Result - Kenya 12 Wales 17

Scored first but the World Champions did not take it lying down. Some semblance of identity this time round but serious defensive lapses cost us this one. One player not fitting into the defensive pattern at all. Tries from Edwin Shimenga and Leone Adongo.

Next game 17.52 EAT vs. Samoa.

Kenya 7's - Missing Kit Incompetence Part 3 : Fine looms

Kenya could be fined by the International Rugby Board for playing in a borrowed kit in the match against Arabian Gulf. The IRB have never experience an incident like this which is a first by Kenya. "This is incredible", stated a source from the IRB currently in Dubai.

Richard Omwela, the Kenya Rugby Union chairman who is holidaying in Dubai at the Dubai Sevens said that would be a harsh punishment for Kenya who did all they could to get the kit to Dubai. "They should understand that this was not a deliberate deed by the KRU as we made frantic efforts to get the kit to Dubai in time for the tournament,” Omwela said.

A decision has been made to brand the training kit.

Kenya 7's - Missing Kit Incompetence Part 2 : More intrigues

According to Willy Ombisi, the Kenya Rugby Union Director incharge of seven-a-side rugby, the kit has been held up at the Jomo kenyatta International Airport since Monday. “The customs people want Ksh1.2 million to clear the kit,” Ombisi said. Frank Sabwa, the KRU secretary has been at the airport for the past two days trying to clear the kit.

Ombisi added that everything possible was being done to ensure that the kit arrives for the second match against Wales.

So what is the Dar story all about?

Dubai Rugby Sevens Result - Kenya 31 Arabian Gulf 19

Kenya overcame a slow start and a spirited challenge from the hosts to eventually register a comfortable win. Leading from the front was captain Humphrey Khayange with three tries and Leone Adongo with a brace. Gibson Weru converted three of them.

Strangely, Kenya played in Zimbabwe kit and not any of our own recognised colours. Apparently some stranger collected our kit from the Airport!!

Next game at 13.02 EAT against Wales.

Kenya Playing in Zimbabwe Kit = INCOMPETENCE

Unbelievably Kenya are playing in Zimbabwe kit in Dubai. See below pitiful explanation from KRFU?

Greetings

Regrettably, we would like to announce that the Kenya National Sevens Team playing kit was inadvertently collected by the wrong passenger on arrival at the Dubai International Airport yesterday evening. We have since, with the help of Kenya Airways, tracked the passenger who picked the bag with the kit, to a travel agency in Dar and KRU is working to get hold of his contacts and get in touch with him.

This unfortunate circumstance will thus mean that the Kenya National Sevens team will take to the pitch with a different kit, borrowed from one of the other participating teams in the tournaments. We regret this unfortunate incidence.

From the General Manager
Kenya Rugby Union Tel/Fax: +254 20 2370360 Mobile: +254 733 256179 + 254 724 256179 Email: info@kenyarfu.com kenyarugbyunion@gmail.com Website www.kenyarfu.com Physical Address: RFUEA Grounds, Ngong Road, Nairobi, KENYA Postal Address: P O Box 48322, 00100, Nairobi, KENYA

Dubai 7s:Homeboyz To Face British Army,Watembezi Vets Lose Openers

Eric Odanga in Dubai

Homeboyz have had a dream start to their debut tour of the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens. They were supposed to have played a select team from Namibia who failed to travel giving the Kenyan’s a bye.

But they have a much tougher opponent in their first match on friday against Pool D top seeds British Army. “Any British Army side is always tough and we know that only one win will steer us to the quarter finals,” said coach Paul Murunga. The former KCB and Kenya forward who has multiple roles as the team’s coach, manager and physiotherapist admitted they have a youthful side.

This is why he invited two experienced players - Dennis Mwanja and Dan Weku - from Kenya Commercial Bank and Impala to provide the balance.“The young players have welcomed the two and are ready to learn,” Murunga added. His plan is simple, harass the opponents on defence and control possession on attack. There are three players who have turned out for Shujaa, Kenya’s development side. They are Ken Moseti, Hezbon Mataya and Collins Mulaa.

Homeboyz have been drawn in Pool D of the International Invitational Men’s category. Other teams in the Pool are British Army and Spartak.

Watembezi Veterans on the other hand lost their opening two matches at The Sevens Sports Complex in Dubai.

Drawn in a tough Pool C which has Xodus Steelers, Agility and Bishop Stortford Vets, the Kenyan oldhands fielded only seven players and lost to a good Agility side 0-26. In the next match, Watembezi Vets trailed 0-29 at half time but were overran 50-0 by the Pool C top seeds Xodus Steelers. This match was watched by Kenya Lionessess and Homeboyz.

Friday, Watembezi Vets play Bishop Stortford Vets from 8 am. The top seeds in the veterans category are CNFC Vets.

The sweltering heat at the venue took toll on the Watembezi Veterans who fielded Kenya Lionesses coach Sammy Kemmey, a former Kenya scrum-half.

Team manager Doris Mwanzia admitted they had a tough outing in the opening two matches.

Homeboyz Squad: Steve Matioli (captain), Dennis Mwanja, Sebastian Shiboka, Dan Weku, Ken Moseti, Steve Sakwa, Oscar Ayodi, Hezbon Mataya, Ian Were, Collins Mulaa, Kingsley Litali, Curtis Katembo. Paul Murunga (coach).

IRB 7's : HSBC DUBAI 7s 2010 FIXTURES

HSBC DUBAI 7s 2010 FIXTURES

December 3rd - 4th, 2010

POOL A Samoa, Kenya, Wales, Arabian Gulf
POOL B New Zealand, Argentina, USA, Zimbabwe
POOL C Australia, South Africa, Scotland, Russia
POOL D Fiji, England, Portugal, France

Day 1 Friday
No Time Team Scores Team Pool
1 08:20 Fiji 00 : 00 Portugal D
2 08:42 England 00 : 00 France D
3 09:04 Samoa 00 : 00 Wales A
4 09:26 Kenya 00 : 00 Arabian Gulf A
5 09:48 New Zealand 00 : 00 USA B
6 10:10 Argentina 00 : 00 Zimbabwe B
7 10:32 Australia 00 : 00 Scotland C
8 10:54 South Africa 00 : 00 Russia C
9 11:56 Fiji 00 : 00 France D
10 12:18 England 00 : 00 Portugal D
11 12:40 Samoa 00 : 00 Arabian Gulf A
12 13:02 Kenya 00 : 00 Wales A
13 13:24 New Zealand 00 : 00 Zimbabwe B
14 13:46 Argentina 00 : 00 USA B
15 14:08 Australia 00 : 00 Russia C
16 14:30 South Africa 00 : 00 Scotland C
17 15:32 Portugal 00 : 00 France D
18 15:54 Wales 00 : 00 Arabian Gulf A
19 16:16 USA 00 : 00 Zimbabwe B
20 16:38 Scotland 00 : 00 Russia C
Parade 17:00 30 minutes break
21 17:30 Fiji 00 : 00 England D
22 17:52 Samoa 00 : 00 Kenya A
23 18:14 New Zealand 00 : 00 Argentina B
24 18:36 Australia 00 : 00 South Africa C
Finish 20:20

Guest Post - From the Ladies in Dubai

My very first post. Second time around at the IRB Dubai 7s& having
only ever experienced my biggest, grandest rugby tournament as Safari
7s... the culture shock is complete.

The kenyan women (aka kenya lionesses) arrived Dubai yesterday 30th
Dec, 3am. We have settled in ok, staying at arabian park hotel. The
team is in excellent mental mode, a mixture of nerves for the first
timers and a 'leave no captives' for those who get a second chance
here. Last year, the team travelled 9 players due to visa hitches.

A light training session yesterday at pitch 2, the sevens stadium,
went well. We bumped into Homeboyz there who had just finished their
sessions.

The sevens pitch is craaazy if all you have been used to is KRU,
Jamhuri or KCB grounds. Nothing can prepare you for it. It has 7 rugby
pitches SEVEN?! All well maintained and labelled, though I tend to
think that the numbering isn't very straightforward. But this being
our second time, we can find our way around.

Kenya Lionesses are in pool IWCi.e International Women C & we play
against; Khimki, Burevestnik (both from Russia) & Samurai Dubai at
12noon, 1620h & 2020h. There are 4 pools in our category. This year we
are a full team of 12; in strength, pace & experience. We have a game
plan & a goal...

A total of 160teams (excluding the main IRB games) taking part. Is
this what it nearly feels like at the Olympics? More to come later on
our game plans & goal and on the high level organizations going on
ground! Can't help but think of the ants...

I'm off to the gym. Will be back with more.

to kenyan rugby!

KRFU Rejects Selectors Resignation

The Kenya Rugby Football Union has declined to accept the resignation of the national sevens team selectors and instead convened a meeting with them.

Frank Sabwa, The KRFU secretary said the selectors could have been ignored after the past two weeks proved busy and challenging for the sevens technical bench to come up with decisions without wider consultation. KRFU secretary Frank Sabwa, said he has written to the selectors’ chairman Bill Githinji and his colleagues Thomas Odundo and Paul Odera to rethink their decision. He said they still needed the coaches’ expertise as the union was restructuring its team selection.

“With four tours coming up for the Kenya Team and Shujaa, challenges cropped up, especially after some players were bogged down by school. The decisions to include players outside the pool of 24 players was urgent, considering these are amateurs,” said Sabwa.

Githinji and his team resigned early this week.

Facing the dreaded overcard on the flop

One of the most difficult things to deal with in poker is your mid to high pocket pair coming up against overcards on the flop. Judging where you stand can be tricky, especially when you are playing an experienced opponent.

If the flop comes down with 3 overcards to your 77 or 88, your decision is made easier. If there is any form of aggression from your opponent, get out of there. If you are to act first, there is no harm in putting a feeler bet out there and seeing if you can take down the pot by representing a pair that you have hit on the flop. The harder decisions come with the flops that only produce one overcard. Say you are holding 1010 and the flop comes 37Q.

You have raised preflop and shown aggression. On the flop you want to put in a continuation bet, which, for the most part, will put your opponent on the back foot and you will often take the pot down there and then.

The problem with giving strategy advice in this position is that there are a whole range of different scenarios that accompany a mid-range pocket pair with one overcard on the flop. If you are not comfortable with your hand, either try to get to a showdown as cheaply as possible, or simply chuck your hand as soon as possible and don’t get sucked into believing your opponent missed and is bluffing top pair. 1010 is in a terrible position against AQ if the flop comes 37Q – about 5% likely to win the hand.

If you are holding 88 there is a 78% chance that you will see an overcard on the flop. Even with JJ there is a 52% chance of an overcard, so you must be ready to see one more often than not when you have a mid-range pair.

Taking the initiative in Texas HoldEM hands is always a good idea, especially in these examples. Use position to either make an early play in the hand and force opponents out, or study your opponents’ decisions and, if there is too much action for your liking, to get out as cheaply as possible.

Weekly Ramble - World Aids Day

Today is World Aids Day. A time to sit back and reflect on how this scourge has affected all of us in some way or other. I have been consistent on this one as I strongly believe all of us are either infected or affected in some way. In my posts last year and the year before I have shared my thoughts and how it has shaped rugby, from simple behavioural change to contributing to one of the greatest scandals the rugby world has seen. This year I feel we need to see how rugby can shape the Aids/HIV world.

Just looking around, I found this and I wonder, do we have such? Or do we simply fail to acknowledge it as part of our game. The involvement of the National Sevens team with the Gender Violence Recovery Center is commendable, but as we can see in most places, the issues of gender violence and HIV and AIDS are intertwined and just a thought, maybe the fifteens team can take this up as their baby since the sevens team are already Goodwill Ambassadors for the GVRC.

For today, a break from the normal vitriol and anger, and share a thought or a message for those infected by the disease. Pray for those affected in one way or other. And as always, keep in your minds those working day and night to comfort the infected, condole the affected and those working day and night to find a cure for the scourge.

Kayange unveiled as IRB Anti-Doping Rugby Ambassador

Kenya Rugby 7's captain Humphrey Kayange, OGW, has been unveiled as the new IRB 'Keep Rugby Clean' ambassador for the Sevens game.

Kayange has led Kenya for three years under coach Benjamin Ayimba, during which time the African nation has placed itself high among the top tier in Sevens Rugby.

He takes over from former Samoan captain and World Series winner Uale Mai to become Sevens Rugby's second Anti-Doping ambassador.

In recent times, Kayange has proved himself to be one of the finest forwards in international Sevens, with a high work rate and an exceptional scoring record. At the end of an outstanding 2008/09 season he was shortlisted for IRB Sevens Player of the Year alongside brother, Collins Injera.

"I am hugely proud and honoured to take up this role as part of the IRB's Keep Rugby Clean campaign," said Kayange, who works as a Laboratory Analyst at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.

"Sevens Rugby is hugely challenging both physically and mentally and across the board the players from all nations are now reaching incredible levels of fitness.

"Proudly, I can say that we do so through sheer hard work, determination and a will to win in front of the hundreds of thousands of fans who come to watch us around all the world. We must remain vigilant, though, and continue to educate the younger players in particular who can make such a mark so quickly in Sevens."

Each year the International Rugby Board raises the number of tests carried out on international rugby players. In 2009, 1,293 tests were undertaken, 360 in-competition and 933 out-of-competition across both men's and women's, in 15s and Rugby Sevens. Of those, 604 tests were carried out in relation to the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai which resulted in no positive findings.

"While Rugby has been at the forefront in the fight against doping in Sport, it is important that we continue to develop policies that put the player first and ensure that our players have access to the best educational framework in the area of Anti-Doping. We are delighted to bring on board someone of Humphrey's calibre and experience. He's well respected among the players and we're sure he will continue to do his very best for Rugby both on and off the pitch" said IRB Anti-Doping Manager, Tim Ricketts.

Kayange also made his mark in October 2009 when he was one of the IRB's seven-member bid team at the IOC Session in Copenhagen, which ultimately led Rugby back into the Olympic Games. He is ultimately emerging as one of Kenya's finest and articulate sporting ambassadors. Accolades to him for continuing to bring honour and glory to Kenya.