imageNAIROBI: Kenya Sevens coach Benjamin Ayimba says his team will be under no pressure in the final two rounds of the World Series following their historic win in Singapore last month.

Three top players, including star forward Oscar Ouma and fly half Biko have been ruled out through injuries from the Paris and London legs, but Ayimba believes the two tournaments will give other young players the chance to prove themselves ahead of the Rio Olympics, where sevens will makes its debut.

"We know what we are supposed to do when he head for the final two rounds, which will be very competitive," said Ayimba, who is happy to have back in the squad, centre Billy Odhiambo and youngster Alex Olaba.

"Billy has recovered and is well rested after missing out on on Hong Kong and Singapore, while we have given Olaba a look in, in keeping with our squad rotation and exposing our younger players.

Kenya beat leaders Fiji 30-7 to win the inaugural Singapore sevens last month and clinch their first-ever Series win in the IRB world championships.

"We are aware of the expectations on us in Paris and London after winning the Singapore tournament, and we know teams will be coming down hard on us but we are equal to the task," said Ayimba.

"We will be under no pressure since we are using these two tournaments to further sharpen our skills with the Rio Olympics in mind."

Kenya, currently placed seventh, are drawn in Pool A at the Paris sevens on May 13-15, alongside defending champions New Zealand, Portugal and Russia.

The final round in London will be played a week later at Twickenham stadium on May 20-22.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2016

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