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The Rugby Super Series is back after a 10-year hiatus, and the much-anticipated tournament returns with two exciting matches on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the RFUEA Grounds on Ngong Road, Nairobi.

The matches were initially set to be played at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka, but heavy rains forced a change of venue.

Rugby Super Series early kick

The action starts early at RFUEA Grounds, with the Buffaloes taking on the Cheetahs at noon, followed by the Lions clashing with the Rhinos at 3:00 pm.

All four men’s teams—Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Lions, and Rhinos—have announced their tournament squads.

The Buffaloes are based in Kakamega and are comprised of Kenya Cup champions Kabras RFC and Kisumu RFC Western Bulls and MMUST are also part of the franchise.

The Cheetahs, based in Nakuru town, consist of Menengai Oilers, Nakuru RFC, and relegated Homeboyz RFC. The franchise also includes promoted Impala, relegated Kabarak University, and University of Eldoret.

The Lions squad consists of KCB Rugby, Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, and Mwamba. They are joined by Championship sides JKUAT Cougars, South Coast Pirates, and USIU Martials.

The Rhinos feature Ngong Road clubs Kenya Harlequin, Nondies, and varsity side Strathmore Leos.

This year’s tournament follows a round-robin format, with matches scheduled in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kakamega over the first three match days.

The top two teams from this initial stage will advance to the championship match on the fourth and final match day.

Adding to the excitement is the debut of the women’s competition, featuring two teams, the Eagles and Jaguars. These teams will compete over two match days to determine the women’s champion of the Rugby Super Series.

Rugby Super Series teams

BUFFALOES

Forwards: Javan Olando, Collins Amonde, Christopher Otieno, Andrew Wangila, Clinton Litali, Thomas Simiyu, Collins Indeche, Biden Hayo, Geoffrey Shitambasi, Edward Mwaura, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Victor Otieno, Paywick Munoko, Gibson Perez, Darryl Oluoch

Backs: Walter Ambe, Eric Cantona, Brian Kiptanui, Darrell Brantana, Alvin Mutachi, Bede Enonda, James Olela, Roy Maruti, Griffin Chao, Paul Abuto, Dan Ang’ wech, Collins Osore, Jackson Siketa

Reserves: Humphrey Asiligwa, David Williams, Fortune Aturo, Jacktone Omondi, Robert Murunga, Daniel Kipchirchir, Hillary Salano

Coach: Max Adaka

CHEETAHS

Forwards: Desterious Makenzi, Erick Miheso, Francis Orembe, Kevin Kiget, Brian Onyango, Celestine Mboi, Emmanuel Mboya, Ibrahim Ayoo, Barry Opondo, Nelson Tengeye, Wesley Lusaka, Amos Nyamanya, Felix Odhiambo, Clinton Juma, Elkeans Mukamiti, Samuel Were

Backs: Samson Onsomu, James Muthoni, Samuel Macharia, Tony Owino, Tyson Maina, Philip Otieno, Chrispin Shitundo, Quinto Ongo, Alvin Khavoli, Javan Okwaro, Beldad Ogeta, Dennis Abukuse, Chrisant Ojwang

Reserves: Abutwalib Abdalla, Reuben Gathoni, Wallace Ouma, Nixon Onyango, Timothy Ejakait, Kelvin Chebet, Andrew Ndondo Coach: Lawrence Buyachi

LIONS

Forwards: Oscar Simiyu, Nick Okullo, Wilhite Mususi, Patrick Ouko, Givens Oduor, Griffin Musila, James Ochieng, Emmanuel Silungi, Andycole Omolo, Collins Kabayo, Obat Kuke, Persian Kolian, Felix Ojow, Randy Wama, Eliakim Kichoi, Manasseh Oduor

Backs: Derrick Wechuli, Emmanuel Opondo, Derrick Masese, Brian Wahinya, Elvis Namusasi, Daniel Oyoo, Bob Muhati, Levy Amunga, Charles Tendwa, Gabriel Namusasi, Michael Wamalwa, Rugar Benjamin

Reserves: Randy Odhiambo, Newton Okeyo, Steve Odhiambo, Claude Nyamiro, Davies Masinga, Shuaib Wesonga, Shaddy Onyango Coach:Oliver Mang’ eni

RHINOS

Forwards Meshack Tunnech,Khaider Mohammed,Abel Matanda,Sheldon Kahi,Clein Okumbi,John Aswani,Adam Mugo,Ryan Odua,Steven Odhiambo,Eric Shimoli,Charles Omondi,Stanslous Shikoli,Bramwel Anekea,Barnabas Owuor,Dennis Tubei

Backs Jan Remke,Patrick Wainaina,Zedden Marrow,Paul Mutsami,Evin Asena,Harmony Wamalwa,Charles Odhiambo,Ian Mumbwani,Bruce Odhiambo,Matoka Matoka,Stephen Osumba,Victor Odhiambo,Shem Okola

Reserves Richel Wangila,Wiseman Aganya,Fred Shisia,Benjamin Marshall,Charlton Mokua Raymond Chacha,Laban Kispang Coach: Paul Murunga

FIXTURES

Saturday May 4, 2024 | RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi

Buffaloes v Cheetahs | 12.00pm

Lions v Rhinos | 3.00pm