Regional rugby tourney Bamburi Series launchedBy AYUMBA AYODI | Wednesday, April 25  2012 at  20:17

The 10th edition of the Bamburi Rugby Super Series was launched on Tuesday in Nairobi with the unveiling of the new Gilbert kits for the teams as champions Rhinos vowed to trample their rivals for their sixth title.

Models displayed the new dazzling playing kit for the eight participating franchises ahead of the championship that runs from May 5 to June 2 in Kampala, Mumias, Nakuru, Nairobi and Mombasa.

Bamburi Cement Limited human resource director, Susan Maingi declared this year’s Sh11.7m ($141,000) tournament ready saying that the Series that started in 2003 has been a journey of endurance and resilience.

“It goes without saying what the Series have done for the development of the game in the region especially Kenya and Uganda and it’s my wish that Tanzania will in future rejoin and present quality challenge to the rest,” said Maingi at a launch that was attended by Kenya Rugby Union chairman, Mwangi Muthee and the Series organising committee chairman, Aggrey Chabeda

Also present during the well attended ceremony at the RFUEA grounds were several co-sponsors officials among them SDV Transami chairman, Samson Ndegwa and chairmen from the eight franchises; Rhinos, Buffaloes, Bulls, Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks. Others are Rwenzori and Victoria from Uganda.

Rhinos’ chairman, Ham Onsando was bullish about their expectations this year saying the Rhinos are snorting for nothing short of victory. But Lions chairman Alvas Onguru threw a gauntlet at Rhinos saying Lions are out to end their reign. Lions, now with former Fijian international Meli Tuni as their coach, are the 2008 champions.

“We have the best players in the country coming from two top clubs in the country Kenya Harlequin and Nakuru,” Onsando said. “We are the first franchise to defend