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The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has taken its first step towards professionalism after the announcement that eight of their Sevens players will be contracted by the union to compete in the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Series.

Kenya are on track to achieving their goal of reaching the Cup quarter-finals in all eight tournaments on the IRB circuit this season, but reaching any level of consistency throughout a season has proved difficult in the past as players struggled with other commitments.

The team's sponsorship deal with Virgin Atlantic Airways made the contracts possible, ensuring that although the players will still represent their clubs and the country's 15-a-side team, the national Sevens team will take priority.

"We have identified eight players to form the core team and they will be contracted according to their performance," Sasha Mutai, the Kenya RFU director in charge of Sevens, told the IRB's official website.

"One of the biggest problems we have had is consistency, which can only be attained if we have a core squad."

Kenya, who announced their squad for the next two tournaments in the IRB Sevens World Series on Thursday, have made four changes to their 12-man squad - after co-captain Innocent Simiyu, Wilson Opondo and Charles Kanyi became unavailable due to work commitments.

Leon Adongo, Biko Adema and Kenya Sevens newcomer Philip Motori have been drafted into the squad as their replacements.

In other changes Andrew Amonde steps up from the non-travelling reserves for Dubai and George to replace Arnold Odera, while Dennis Mwanja will act as vice-captain to Humphrey Kayange in the absence of Simiyu.

"It has been a selection headache for the technical bench and whatever decision we made was a very close call. The players put in a lot of effort and the sessions have been intense, which gives you a clue about how eager the players are to get the nod," assistant coach Felix Ochieng said.

Kenya face a tough pool at the New Zealand leg in Wellington - with South Africa, Australia and France their Pool C opponents.

A week later, at the USA Sevens in San Diego, they will face Argentina, Canada and Chile in their pool matches.

"We may finish top or last," captain Kayange said of their Wellington pool.

"This will not be a walk in the park, but what we need is the support of Kenyans so that we can take a positive message out there and the world may look at Kenya beyond the current unrest."

Kenya: Humphrey Kayange (captain), Collins Injera, Victor Odour, Horace Otieno, Edwin Shimenga, Peter Ocholla, Naftaly Bondo, Dennis Mwanja, Andrew Amonde, Biko Adema, Leon Adongo, Philip Moturi.