Kenya Harlequins RFC emerged as the overall champions of the 2nd edition of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit, which concluded with the Prinsloo 7s at the Nakuru Athletic Club on Sunday.
The Harlequins dominated the circuit, securing the top spot with 110 points. Kabras Sugar followed closely with 105 points, while former champions KCB finished in third place with 94 points. The Kenya Harlequins were awarded Sh300,000 as the top prize after a decisive 35-7 victory over Nakuru RFC in the finals. Their journey to the top included a notable win against Nondies in the main cup quarterfinals.
Kenya Harlequins captain, Richel Wangila, praised his team’s resilience and determination throughout the tournament. “This win is a great reward for the boys, who gave it their all from the first leg to the finals at Prinsloo 7s. I am grateful to the technical bench for their support and belief in us. This victory and the support from SportPesa are big motivators for us,” Wangila said.
In the Prinsloo 7s tournament, Strathmore Leos outshone Nondies with a commanding 33-7 win, earning Sh100,000. The runners-up, Nondies, received Sh50,000, while Kabras Sugar secured third place with a 19-0 victory over Menengai Oilers, taking home Sh25,000.
In the women’s category, Impala Queens triumphed over Mwamba Ladies with a 33-0 victory, while Nakuru Ladies finished in third place.
Kenya Rugby Union CEO Thomas Odundo praised the high quality of play and team spirit throughout the circuit. “We’ve seen remarkable performances from young talents like Brian Ratila, Elvis Olukusi, Samuel Asati, Lucky Dewald, Erick Cantona, and Kevin Wekesa. The SportPesa National 7s Circuit continues to be a breeding ground for talent and showcases Kenya’s rugby prowess,” Odundo said.
SportPesa’s Willis Ojwang expressed satisfaction with the organization and quality of the games. “The dedication and talent displayed by all teams have been inspiring. This year’s competition has highlighted the potential of our young athletes. We’re proud of the tournament’s success and look forward to an even greater event in 2025,” Ojwang stated.
This year’s successful conclusion of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit emphasizes the importance of talent development in Kenya. As attention shifts to the upcoming SportPesa Legends Cup on September 28 at the RFUEA Grounds and the Safari 7s scheduled for October 11-13, excitement for the next chapter in Kenyan rugby continues to build.
Earlier this year, SportPesa renewed its commitment to Kenyan rugby legends with a Sh2 million sponsorship deal for their doubleheader against Uganda.
