manyatta june 2011 issue
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KENYA RUGBY UNION NEWSLETTER kenyarfu.com Kenya Rugby Union JUNE 2011 ISSUE To Advertise on Manyatta please Contact [email protected] [email protected] OFFICIAL KRU NEWSLETTER Contributors: * KRU * Michael Kwambo Gishinga Njoroge Reeltime June ‘11 ISSUE * *TRANSCRIPT
JUNE 2011 ISSUE
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KENYA RUGBY UNION NEWSLETTERMANYATTA
KenyaRugbyUnion
Contents:
Contributors:
* Michael Kwambo
Gishinga Njoroge
* KRU
*
*
Reeltime
OFFICIAL KRU NEWSLETTER
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From the Chairman.Bamburi Rugby Super Series.Victoria Cup.Fifteens.Rugby 101
June ‘11 ISSUE
KenyaRugbyUnion
Contents
June ‘11 ISSUE
KenyaRugbyUnion
A RECAP OF THE 2011 BAMBURI RUGBY SUPER SERIES
By Michael Kwambo
Match Day One
Saturday 30th April 2011
The 2011 Bamburi Rugby Super Series kicked off on Saturday 30th April with four matches at four venues in
Kenya and Uganda. These opening weekend was characterized by big scores, recoveries and close results.
Big scores
The SDV Transami Cheetahs and the Lions were the beneficiaries of big scores, the Cheetahs pounding
Uganda's Rwenzori 49-0 to top Pool B while the Lions registered a 36-8 win over the Coastal Bulls in
Mombasa, a result that saw them lead Pool A.
Recoveries
Reigning champions UAP Rhinos almost threw away the lead against the Nguvu Sharks,allowing the Sharks
to recover from 7-24 to 17-24 in an exciting Pool A fixture. The Rhinos finally got their act together, racing off
with the 36-17 result.
Close results
The Mumias Sugar Buffaloes, whipping boys in 2010, acquitted themselves well in a difficult fixture away to
Victoria in Kampala, eventually going 16-5, a marked improvement by their standards.
At the end of match day one, it was the Lions and the SDV Transami Cheetahs leading Pool A and B
respectively.
Match Day Two
Saturday 7th May 2011
The clash of the weekend was definitely the Pool A tie between the Nguvu Sharks and the table topping
Lions. A win was essential for both sides and it was the Sharks who emerged victorious, rallying from 15-25
down to carry the day with a 32-25 win that significanlty boosted their chances of reaching the semis. The
Lions picked up two bonus points in this match for scoring four tries and losing by seven or less points. This,
coupled with the Rhinos 30-3 win over the Coastal Bulls in Mombasa meant that any three teams from the
Rhinos, Lions and Sharks were all in with a chance of making the semi finals.
The Cheetahs 18-14 win over Victoria all but booked them a semi final berth from Pool B while Rwenzori
rallied from 14-17 to end the Buffaloes title hopes with a 28-17 win in Mumias, a result that revived their
chances of making it to the semi finals.
Bamburi Super Series
June ‘11 ISSUE
KenyaRugbyUnion
Bamburi Super Series
Match Day Three
Saturday 14th May 2011
There was all to play for, particularly in Pool A where the Rhinos,Lions and the Sharks were still in contention
for the two semi final slots. A combination of factors were to be considered ahead of kick off. If the Rhinos
lost to the Lions and failed to register a bonus point while the Sharks registered a bonus point win over the
Bulls, then the Lions and the Sharks would sail through to the semis. If the Rhinos beat the Lions and the
Sharks lost to the Bulls, then the Rhinos and the Lions would be sailing through to the semis. Now, if the
Rhinos beat the Lions and the Sharks beat the Bulls, the Rhinos and the Sharks would be going through to
the semis.
The Rhinos would eventually get the better of the Lions, winning 24-19 in a closely contested fixture at the
Afraha Stadium in Nakuru while the Sharks cruised to a 22-0 win over the Bulls in Mombasa. These victories
earned these two sides semi final qualification.
With matters in Pool B a bit straightforward, Rwenzori edged out local rivals Victoria 11-8 in Kampala to book
the other semi final slot while the already qualified Cheetahs consigned the Mumias Sugar Buffaloes to a
70-7 hiding at the RFUEA grounds.
The semi final stage was set. The UAP Rhinos would play Rwenzori while the SDV Transami Cheetahs
would play the Nguvu Sharks on Saturday 21st May 2011 at the RFUEA Grounds.
Match Day Four
Semi Finals
Saturday 21st May 2011
With the field narrowed down to four, the UAP Rhinos were matched up against the Ugandan side Rwenzori
in the day's early kick off at the RFUEA grounds. After a close first half that saw the Rhinos lead 14-7, a
dramatic collapse by the Ugandans saw them capitulate to a 38-7 defeat, a result that meant no Ugandan
side had ever reached the BRSS final since the country's debut in the tournament in 2009. For the Rhinos, it
was passage to a fifth successful BRSS final since 2007 and their sixth overall.
The SDV Transami Cheetahs pulled off a 22-7 win over the Nguvu Sharks, setting up a repeat final against
the Rhinos who had defeated them 25-5 in the 2011 final. This was the Cheetahs fifth overall appearance in
a BRSS final.
Match Day Five
Third Place Playoff
Saturday 4th June 2011
This may not have been the title match but there was plenty a stake, a third place finish and the match up
between Kenya's Nguvu Sharks and Uganda's Rwenzori set the stage for an exciting game of rugby.
June ‘11 ISSUE
KenyaRugbyUnion
Bamburi Super Series
Leading 14-7 at half time, the Ugandans would let their foot off the gas pedal, trailing 14-21 before late tries
from Andrew Olweny and Hector Gutaka saw them run off with the 26-21 result that saw them finish
third...the best performance by a Ugandan side since their BRSS debut back in 2009. Justine Kimono's early
on the day saw him run off with the top try scorers title with five tries...double joy for the Ugandans.
Final
UAP Rhinos make it three in a row
Edwin Makori's try in sudden death saw the UAP Rhinos retain the Bamburi Rugby Super Series title with a
20-15 win over a battling SDV Transami Cheetahs in a scintilating final played at the RFUEA Grounds on
Saturday 4th June 2011.
Vincent Mose kicked the Cheetahs into an early 6-0 lead with two penalties before the Rhinos finally found
their rhythm, pitching camp in their opponents 25. Naftali Bondo was played in by Isaac Adimo only to be
stopped agonizingly short of the try line. Their pressure finally bore fruit when Allan Omuka,celebrating his
birthday, went over for the first of his two tries. Adimo missed this conversion with the match finely poised, 6-
5 to the Cheetahs.Another Mose penalty saw the Cheetahs, winners in 2004 and 2006, take a 9-5 lead into
the interval.
The second half would remain a carbon copy of the first, a close encounter, neither side really getting a
foothold on the day's proceedings. Mose's fourth penalty saw the Cheetahs extend their lead to 12-5 and this
seemed to set the tone for a frenetic end to the match, both sides realizing what was at stake.
The Rhinos managed to retain their composure and discipline in the rucks and maul while the Cheetahs kept
knocking at their opponents door, seeking to make the game safe. Such was the intensity of the match that
Nick Lang'o had to stretchered off after colliding with the Cheetahs John Ahenda. An unconverted try from
Omuka reduced the deficit to 12-10 before scrum half Edwin Achayo gave the Rhinos the lead for the first
time in this match, Adimo missing the conversion with the scores at 15-12.
Nato Simiyu's forty yard break with two minutes of regulation play left saw the Cheetahs attack and win a
penalty off a Rhino's infringement that saw Wilson Kopondo sent to the sin bin.. Mose stepped up to send his
kick between the sticks, tying the game at 15-15 with the buzzer going off, signalling the end of regulation
time.
The tension in the air was palpable heading into extra. It was going to take something special to clinch this
tie and Makori served it up, grounding the ball to hand Rhinos a third successive BRSS title, which raises
their tally of titles to five.
This was a historic final for a number of reasons, the first final to be decided in sudden death extra, the
lowest scoring final in BRSS history and the final that saw a team win three straight titles. All in all, it was a
good indictment for Kenyan rugby.
Vincent Mose, whose fifteen points in the final saw him finish one point behind Adimo in the points scorers
chart was voted man of the match while Nick Lang'o claimed the man of the series award.
June ‘11 ISSUE
KenyaRugbyUnion
Bamburi Super Series
BRSS Final Day Stats
Final
UAP Rhinos 20 SDV Transami Cheetahs 15
3rd Place Playoff
Rwenzori 26 Nguvu Sharks 21
Man of the Series
Nick Lang'o UAP Rhinos
Top Points Scorer
Isaac Adimo UAP Rhinos 43 points
Top Try Scorer
Justine Kimono Rwenzori 5 tries
Previous Rugby Super Series Final Results
2011: Rhinos 20 Cheetahs 15
2010: Rhinos 25 Cheetahs 5
2009: Rhinos 30 Buffaloes 13
2008: Lions 33 Rhinos 9
2007: Rhinos 28 Lions 20
2006:Cheetahs 29 Lions 27
2005: Buffaloes 27 Lions 25
2004:Cheetahs 32 Lions 22
2003: Rhinos 27 Cheetahs 11
Titles
Rhinos 5 (2003,2007,2009,2010,2011)
Cheetahs 2 (2004, 2006)
Lions 1 (2008)
Buffaloes 1(2005)
Most Decorated Players in BRSS History
Daniel Kiptoo, Vincent Ongera, Joel Nganga UAP Rhinos -(5 titles- 2003,2007,2009,2010,2011)
June ‘11 ISSUE
KenyaRugbyUnion
The KRU General
Manager's post will, as
soon as possible, be
advertised for competitive
filling. Instructively,
Deloitte Touché is the
International Rugby
Board (IRB) advisors on
governance, we are
grateful to the Deloitte
Kenya office for the
invaluable assistance.
Governance changes at the KRU will continue being implemented
during the current off-season to enable a fresh start ahead of the
incoming 2011/2012 season.
The recent IRB Sevens World Series and our high profile Bamburi
Rugby Super Series competitions have drawn to their conclusions. It
was important to wait for the completion of those events before
embarking on the re-structuring exercise.
The new season, including the top draw Safaricom Sevens in
November, should find improved administrative practices and
procedures well in place.
Formation of Sub-Unions
Work has meanwhile started on the formation of the approved sub-
unions; namely, Western Kenya, Coast and Kenyan Universities. I am
glad to note that Mr. Oscar Oyowo, Chairman of the Sub-Committee for
the formation of the Western Kenya Union, has given an assurance that
the sub-union will be constituted and up-and-running in due course.
I would also like to point out that Western Kenya, Coast and the
University of Nairobi teams will take part in next season's Kenya Cup,
the country's top league competition.
Yours Sincerely
Mwangi Muthee
Chairman, Kenya Rugby Union
Development initiatives taking place at the
Kenya Rugby Union
Following satisfactory performances by a Kenya Select XV against the
thvisiting South African provincial side Mpumalanga on Wednesday 8
thJune 2011 and the Kenyan national team on Saturday 11 June 2011,
early signs are that the Kenya Rugby Union's efforts to revamp the
sport, both in performance and administration, are well founded and on
course.
Benefits of KRU's interaction with Mpumalanga
Immediate benefits of KRU's interaction with the Mpumalanga Pumas
have started being felt rolling in; and they include:
· The Pumas agreement to provide personnel to develop the
national team's “front five”. Our technically efficient visitors
have said they will offer assistance, on a continual basis, to
train our players in this key area.
· Three talented players, aged between 20 and 23, will be taken
under Mpumalanga's wings to play professional rugby in
South Africa. The Pumas will undertake to always release
them, and ONLY, for national duty.
Behind the scenes, the KRU's implementation of promised concrete
measures to change the way it has operated in the last few years is in
progress. This is geared towards bringing efficiency in the management
of the union with the key objective of raising the standards of Kenyan
rugby under the theme of “More Rugby, Quality Rugby”, with serious
focus on the players.
Administrative Changes
The KRU Board recently unanimously resolved to make administrative
changes at its secretariat. The incumbent KRU General Manager was
given leave pending staff restructuring. His duties are being performed
by a replacement on temporary capacity.
Deloitte Touché, audit, consulting, financial and tax advisory service
providers , are currently assisting the KRU in resolving critical business
issues through the provision of a unique blend of operational and
advisory skills including human resource deployment.
From The Chairman
June ‘11 ISSUE
KenyaRugbyUnion
Victoria Cup
Kenya open Victoria Cup defense away to Zimbabwe
By Michael Kwambo
Kenya start their Victoria Cup defense with a fixture away to Zimbabwe on Saturday 25th June 2011 in the city of Bulawayo, 439 kms south west of the capital city Harare.
Kenya's previous visits to Bulawayo ended in a 15-24 defeat to their hosts on Saturday 24th July 2004. They also fell 56-7 to Zimbabwe at the same venue in 1984.
The two sides have met eleven times before, twelve, if you throw in the 1982 fixture that pitted Zimbabwe against an East Africa touring side entirely made up of Kenyan
players.The Zimbabweans have dominated the head to head count with seven wins,eight if you include the win over East Africa in 1982, Kenya winning the other four.
Kenya have dominated recent proceedings, emerging victorious in four out of their five meetings with Zimbabwe since 2002.
Kenya prepared for this fixture with two build up matches against Currie Cup side, the Ford Pumas from Mpumalanga in South Africa, their select side going down 22-48
with the national side going down 27-41. The Kenyans may have lost the fixture but acquitted themselves well, and this should serve as a great psychological boost
ahead of the visit to Matabeleland.
The Zimbabweans were next door in Kampala, Uganda, taking part in the Confederation of African Rugby's Division 1 B tournament, which they won after posting a 25-15
win over hosts Uganda, a match that doubled up as a Victoria Cup fixture. They would follow this up with a 49-0 win over Madagascar, a result that saw them win the CAR
Division 1B title.
Saturday's clash in the heartland of Zimbabwean rugby promises to be another exciting encounter, pretty much keeping with recent tradition that has seen encounters
between the two sides decided by a margin of nine points or less. The Zimbabweans will be out to avenge an 18-23 loss that saw Kenya not only register their maiden
win on Zimbabwean soil, but also lift the 2010 Victoria Cup with a perfect record, having vanquished Uganda and Zimbabwe home and away.
Kenya Head Coach Michael "Tank" Otieno will name his touring party on Tuesday 21st June 2011 at the RFUEA Grounds.
Kenya v Zimbabwe: - Previous results
Zimbabwe 18 Kenya 23 (17th July 2010, Harare)
Kenya 11 Zimbabwe 10 (12th June 2010, Nairobi)
Zimbabwe 24 Kenya 15 (24th July 2004, Bulawayo)
Kenya 32 Zimbabwe 24 (25th May 2003, Nairobi)
Kenya 19 Zimbabwe 12 ( 28th September 2002, Nairobi)
Kenya 7 Zimbabwe 42 (3rd July 1993, Nairobi)
Zimbabwe 56 Kenya 9 (13th August 1989, Harare)
Kenya 12 Zimbabwe44 (7th August 1987, Nairobi)
Kenya 13 Zimbabwe 15 (1st May 1985, Nairobi)
Zimbabwe 56 Kenya 7 (1984, Bulawayo)
*Zimbabwe 15 East Africa 12 (27th March, 1982, Harare)
*the East African side was entirely made up of Kenyan players
Kenya 24 Zimbabwe 33 ( 7th July 1981,Nairobi)
Kenya 15s team
June ‘11 ISSUE
KenyaRugbyUnion
Fifteens
Kenya comes out proud at end of Pumas two-match tour
By Gishinga Njoroge
KENYA coach Michael “Tank” Otieno and his squad received instant praise and backing of the Kenya Rugby Union th
chairman, Mwangi Muthee, following the team's hard battle with South African Ford Pumas on Saturday 11 June 2011
which the Pumas won 41-27.
In an earlier first of two “Test” matches, Pumas beat the Kenya Select XV 48-22 in Nairobi last Wednesday. Just a year
ago, Pumas were pummeling Kenya 101-7 in South Africa.
An elated Muthee, recently elected the KRU chairman, under the pledge of making widespread changes in the
administration of the sport and improving the standards of skill and welfare of players, said he could not have asked
for a more immediate response to his crusade than the dedication of the national team players and their managers in
the past few weeks.
“I have the confidence in 'Tank'. He, his fellow coaches and players have shown the intention to turn a new leaf. They
had devoted preparations despite being faced with the prospect of meeting an awesome Pumas' side which
obliterated our national team last year. These results are excellent. South African rugby is one to be admired and
emulated. They are, after all, the world champion nation.
“I am sure Jimmy Stonehouse [Pumas coach] will acknowledge that Kenya have been willing to learn from the Pumas'
lessons of last year. These boys gave their all against highly skilled Pumas in this week's back-to-back tour matches.”
Kenya's improvement will continue, Muthee said, and he sighted the good performance of up to five young players
who made their debut for the full Kenya national side on Saturday.
“Our schools are producing good talent and a well-structured programme to tap and retain the players has been well
mapped out by the KRU Development Manager, Fred Ollows, whose work we are also absolutely impressed by.”
The KRU Chairman said, contrary to opinion expressed elsewhere, that Ollows was one of the most crucial assets of
the Kenyan game.
“We shall give him all the support. I don't think his input was fully utilized in the past. Personally I am excited at what
results Ollows will bring on the table if the KRU backs his already designed programmes.”
Kenya had a gritty game against the Pumas on Saturday, coming back from an early set-back and 7-0 down in the ndsecond minute, to lead 10-7 from the ninth minute to the 22 .
thAgain down 10-14 in on 22 minutes, they regained the lead [15-14] in the 25 before relinquishing it 15-19 at half time.
The Pumas must have received excellent pep talk from Stonehouse during the break to storm back with two quick
tries after the second half kicked off, and led 15-29.
However a stabilized Kenya took the battle to the South Africans and a good crowd at the RFUEA [Rugby Football
Union of East Africa] ground was kept on the edges of the seats in an action-packed final 30 minutes of the match.
Pundits viewed the two rare tour matches as a boon to Kenya's preparations for upcoming internationals against
Zimbabwe and Uganda, and the CAR [Confederation of African Rugby] tournament, also involving Morocco, Tunisia
and Namibia, in November.
June ‘11 ISSUE
KenyaRugbyUnion
Other News
KENYA WOMEN BEGIN ELGON CUP PREPARATIONS
By Michael Kwambo
The Kenya Women's XV commenced training in May in
readiness for their upcoming July internationals against
rivals Uganda in the Elgon Cup .
Speaking to the Kenya Rugby Union, Head Coach Sammy
Kemmey said that he had three new call ups to the side,
namely Immaculate Nduta and Damima Duffield from
Mwamba RFC and Vivi's Alice Akinyi.
Kemmey added ,” I think we are ready for it more than ever,
the team still has their work cut out for them..we will work
harder than ever in preparation for the fixtures against our
opponents. The team has witnessed massive growth with
each passing year. I am particularly pleased to see my key
players maturing into leaders after being inexperienced
squad members years ago. Most of the players have been
involved in the Dubai Seven's tournament, some for their
first or second, but they've all been exposed to rugby at an
international level. This makes us a wiser group now in
terms of preparedness for international tournaments. We
however need to look beyond playing Uganda…we need
more international games to further expose our players and
technical bench.”
Kenya Women:
Aberdeen Shikoyi, Adelaide Nasambu,Angela Olum,Anita
Omondi, Camilyne Awuor, Catherine Abila, Celestine
Navbalayo, Clementina Atieno, Doreen Remuor,
Immaculate Nduta, Alice Akinyi, Mary Otieno, Millicent
Opala,Philadelphia Olando, Janet Owino, Damima Duffield,
Rebecca Kerubo (Mwamba), Florence Awuor, Janet
Midecha, Maureen Minayo, Keziah Achieng Ogada,
Robinah Wambui, Stacy Awuor, Sylvia Kabere, Rachel
Adhiambo (Vivi), Irene Awino, Mary Musieka (Rovers)
Coach: Sammy Kemmey, Team Manager: Yvonne Makwali
KENYA WIN BOWL IN SCOTLAND TO END SEASON IN NINTH POSITION
By Michael Kwambo
The Kenya Sevens national team completed their
2010/2011 HSBC Sevens World Series with victory in
the Edinburgh Sevens in Scotland, the last leg of the
series. The result saw Kenya finish in ninth position,
garnering 16 points from the legs they participated in.
Lavin Asego secured the points for Kenya, scoring at the
death in the final against Scotland, handing the home
boys a 21-14 win over a side that had edged them to the
London Sevens bowl title a week earlier.
Kenya booked their final berth with a 40-0 win over
Spain in the semis. They had earlier edged the USA 17-
15 in a pulsating bowl quarter final encounter.
Kenya's results in Scotland
Day One thSaturday 28 May 2011
Kenya 38 Canada 5
Kenya 14 South Africa 31
Kenya 7 Australia 14
Kenya dropped to bowl by virtue of placing third in Pool
C, failing to make the main cup quarter finals
Day TwothSunday 29 May 2011
Bowl Qtrs
Kenya 17 USA 15
Bowl Semis
Kenya 40 Spain 0
Bowl Final
Kenya 21 Scotland 14
June ‘11 ISSUE
KenyaRugbyUnion
Rugby 101
Our previous edition covered rugby terms falling between M-R.
This month's edition looks at terms falling between S and X
*Scrum *- the formation used in the set play re-starting play after
a knock-on or forward pass. The forwards from each side bind
together and then the two packs come together to allow the
scrumhalf with the feed to deliver the ball to the scrum. A scrum
can also be awarded or chosen in different circumstances by the
referee.
*Scrum down* - the coming together of the scrum.
*Scrum-half *- the back wearing No.9 who normally feeds the
ball into a scrum and retrieves the ball at the base of scrums,
rucks, and mauls. Can also be called the half-back.
*Scrummaging *- the process of setting and completing a scrum.
*Sevens* - a form of rugby union invented in Scotlandand played
with only seven total players, usually three forwards and four
backs. Each half typically last only seven minutes but can be
longer. The lack of numbers usually results in a free-flowing
game.
*Sin Bin* - the naughty corner where all players who have been
yellow carded sit all alone for 10 minutes.
*Six Nations* - the annual tournament from January through
March between the national men's teams of England ,Wales,
Scotland ,Ireland, France and Italy.
*Springboks* - the national team of South Africa.
*Super Rugby* - the annual tournament between the best
provincial teams of Australia , New Zealand, and South Africa.
*Take* - a well executed catch of a kicked ball.
*Tap Penalty* - a quickly taken penalty where a player taps the
ball a couple of inches with his foot and immediately catches it
and surges forward, done to catch the opposition unawares.
*Tens* - a form of rugby union played with only ten total players.
Each half typically last only 10 minutes but can be longer. Games
are almost always played during tournaments.
*Test* - the name typically used for matches between two
national teams. The match can also be called an international.
*Tight Five *- a common name for all of the front (props and
hooker) and second row (locks) forwards. Also known as Front
Five.
*Touch, touchline* - the out of bounds line that runs on either
side of the pitch. The non-contact version of rugby is also
commonly called touch.
*Touch judge* - an official posted on each side of the pitch to
mark the spot where balls go out of touch and to judge kicks at
goal. The touch judge is also instrumental in pointing out any
serious violence infractions not seen by the referee and in major
matches is in radio contact with him.
*Tri-Nations *- the annual competition between the national
men's teams of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
*Try *- a score of five points awarded when the ball is carried or
kicked across the tryline and touched down to the ground by a
player.
*Try line *- the goal line extending across the pitch.
*Tunnel *- the gap between the front rows in a scrum or the gap
between the two lines of forwards in a lineout.
*Turnover*- when one side takes possession of the ball from their
opponents.
*Union* - another name for the most popular form of rugby
featuring 15, 10, or 7 players per side. The local, provincial, or
national organizing body for rugby competition is also often called
a union.
*Up and Under* - a tactical kick which is popped very high but
not far,allowing the kicker and supporting players to easily run
underneath it for recovery. The kick is intended to put heavy
pressure on any opposition player attempting to catch the ball.
Also called a Garryowen.
*Victoria Cup-* *- the annual competition between the national
men's teams of Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
*Wallabies* - the national team of Australia.
*Webb Ellis Trophy* - the trophy awarded to the winners of the
Rugby World Cup named after William Web Ellis.
*Yellow card* - a player who receives a yellow card from the
referee has to leave the pitch for ten minutes at sit in the Sin Bin.
This is usually given for dangerous, persistent or cynical breaches
of the rules. If the offence is more serious then he can be red
carded.
*XV *- a common identifier for the first fifteen selected players of a
club or team. A team can also use XV in their name, pronounced
as fifteen.