Rugby enthusiasts are in for another thrilling action in Nakuru this weekend, exactly one week after the entertaining first leg of the National 7s Circuit, Driftwood Sevens at the Mombasa Sports Club.

Since its inception in 2007, the Prinsloo Sevens tournament has carved out a special place in the Kenyan rugby calendar. The tournament held every year at the Nakuru Athletic Club is one of the six prestigious legs that make up the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) National Sevens Circuit.

The showpiece pays homage to a man whose determination and love for the game transcended personal adversity. Peter Walter Prinsloo, a South African who helped breathe new life into Nakuru’s rugby scene during the 1980s.

Despite facing life-altering health challenges that left him wheelchair-bound and without limbs, his unwavering commitment to the sport inspired the birth of this tournament in his name. Over the years, Prinsloo 7s has become a platform for high-stakes competition, showcasing top-tier talent and regional pride.

Champions through the years

The roll of honour features some of Kenya’s most dominant rugby clubs:

Mwamba RFC has stamped its authority with five championship wins—2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2019, making them the most successful club in the tournament’s history.

KCB RFC follows closely with four titles, including a dominant stretch between 2012 and 2014.

Homeboyz RFC lifted the trophy in 2016 and 2018, asserting their presence as a competitive force.

Strathmore Leos, Nakuru RFC, Menengai Oilers, and Kabras Sugar RFC have also claimed victories, contributing to the tournament’s competitive unpredictability.

The tournament was halted in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed with thrilling editions, including Kabras Sugar’s triumph in 2023 and Strathmore Leos’ recent 2024 victory after outclassing Nondies in a gripping final.

Nakuru RFC: The Cradle of Champions

Nakuru RFC is the host of Prinsloo 7s. The club has produced numerous players who have represented the country at elite levels, including the Olympics. Notable names such as Gibson Weru, Oscar Ouma, Grace Okulu, Freshia Owino, John Okoth, and Geoffrey Ominde began their rugby journeys at Nakuru RFC. These athletes emerged through youth systems, age-grade structures, and the women’s development pathway—testament to the club’s inclusive and progressive rugby culture.