Rugby development in Africa took a heavy blow this week when Kenya withdrew their team from this year’s Vodacom Cup competition.

The Tusker Simba XV that took part in last year’s competition was meant to be involved in the 2015 edition as well, but have had to withdraw from all games as they don’t have the financial resources to field a team in the competition.

The invitation for them to participate came from SA Rugby to help with rugby development in Africa, and was seen as a key part of Kenya’s development as a rugby nation, especially after their success at Sevens level.

The Tusker Simba XV finished second last in last year’s Southern Section, above the Border Bulldogs.

KRU secretary Eddie Omondi confirmed they could not afford to take part in the competition.

“We left massive debts last year and looking at the long term, our view is that it is not sustainable. For us to spend such colossal sums of money to go play in the Vodacom this year, is out of the question” Omondi told Kenya’s Star newspaper.

Plans were underway to have the KRU host some of the matches on home soil and meet accommodation costs but that idea was shelved.

Omondi did however, say they could return to the Vodacom in 2017 and 2018 as the World Cup qualifiers approach.

Kenya will now focus on international games against Portugal, Hong Kong, Germany and Romania later in the year as well as their Confederation of African Rugby 1A tournament in July.

“We are looking at improving our rankings in the next couple of years because we did not get a chance to qualify for the Rugby World Cup this year. We have lined up some international games which will go a long way in boosting our ranking,” added Omondi

SA Rugby confirmed the withdrawal with teams likely to get points for the forfeited fixtures. EP Kings would have been the first side to face the Kenyan team.

SuperSport