The much-anticipated SportPesa Nationals 7s Rugby Circuit is back this year with the 2nd edition receiving a major financial boost of Sh16.5 million from SportPesa, the title sponsor, in readiness for the top-tier rugby showcase.
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) underscored the importance of the circuit, pointing out that it’s the head-liner for identifying the next crop of talent with potential to join Kenya’s National 7s team Shujaa and also providing a good preparation ground for participating affiliate clubs ahead of the Safari 7s slated for October 2024.
“The SportPesa National 7s Rugby Circuit is a cornerstone of our rugby calendar, providing a platform for showcasing the immense talent from all around the country. We therefore welcome this support for the game, which will undoubtedly elevate the standard of the competition this year,” said Thomas Odundo, Chief Executive Officer, KRU.
The Division One competition will see 16 teams fight it out for bragging rights, while Division 2 will field up to 24 teams. The host clubs in the six-leg tournament will receive Sh1 million each to enhance their preparations ahead of the high-stakes encounter that promises to be a thrilling clash of the titans.
Speaking during the cheque handover and unveiling of the tournament trophy, Willis Ojwang, the Communications and Partnerships Manager at SportPesa, reiterated the firm’s continued commitment towards sports development in the country while urging fans to come out in large numbers for the circuit.
“We are proud to partner with the KRU and the affiliate clubs in hosting the second edition of the SportPesa National 7s Rugby Circuit. This sponsorship underscores our continued dedication to fostering the growth of 7s rugby in Kenya, and we look forward to an exciting season as the circuit goes around the five cities in the country,” said Ojwang.
Kicking off the season is the 57th edition of the Christie 7s, scheduled for July 27th and 28th, 2024, at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road, Nairobi. Hosted by the Kenya Harlequins, Christie 7s will start off with the floodlit veteran’s clash on Friday, July 26, featuring Impala RFC, KCB RFC, Nondescripts RFC, Mean Machine RFC, Mwamba RFC, and Kenya Harlequins RFC. This year will also see the Harlequin Ladies (Quin Queens) put out in three legs of the circuit, namely Christie 7s, Prinsloo 7s, and Kabeberi 7s.
Tournament Director Nekesa Were, while highlighting the preparations, said Christie 7s will offer the full fan experience, coinciding with the National team Shujaa playing at the Olympics in Paris, France, as well as the Kenya Simbas, who are featuring at the Rugby Africa Men’s Cup in Kampala, Uganda.
“This year’s Christie 7s promises to be the best yet. We have made significant preparations to ensure an exceptional experience for both players, fans, and partners. From history, we know that the national 7s circuit is often the first time live-rugby experience for about 10 per cent of fans attending the games. It is our intention to be their gateway to a fulfilling first impression on the quality of Kenyan rugby,” she said.
Christie 7s, will lay the groundwork for the KRU 7s set for August 3rd and 4th at the ASK Kakamega Show Ground in Kakamega County. KRU 7s highlights a major addition made to the circuit this year, acting as a replacement for the Tisap 7s, which was discontinued last year. The third leg will shift to Kisumu County for Dala 7s, which take centre-stage on August 17th and 18th, before the Kabeberi 7s wind up the month on August 24th and 25th.
Mombasa County will welcome the fifth leg with the Driftwood 7s, scheduled for September 7th and 8th, which will then usher in Nakuru’s Prinsloo 7s on September 14th and 15th, which is the sixth and final leg of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit 2024.
The 2023 SportPesa National 7s champions, KCB Rugby Club, aim to replicate their stellar performance this year. They face a daunting task from strong contenders in their bid to retain their title. Last edition, the Bankers secured an exhilarating victory against Kabras to lift the trophy and claim the top prize.
By Ian Chepkuto
