The build-up to the eagerly awaited Christie 7s tournament at the RFUEA Grounds, slated for Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17, 2025, received a boost this week with the successful completion of the event’s legacy courses.

Organised by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), the programme aimed to equip participants with vital skills in coaching, conditioning, and player development, especially at the grassroots level.

Day One focused on Level One Conditioning for Children, attracting 18 enthusiastic participants who engaged in practical and theoretical sessions designed to enhance young players’ physical preparation.

Day Two, held on Thursday, recorded an even larger turnout, with 33 participants undertaking Level One Coaching for 7s and an additional 16 participants enrolling in the Level One Strength and Conditioning for Youth course. The sessions combined expert-led instruction with interactive exercises, reflecting the growing interest in rugby capacity-building across Kenya.

”Day 2 of the Christie 7s legacy courses. Yesterday had 33 participants in the level one coaching for 7s and 16 participants in the level one strength and conditioning for youth. Today marks the last day of the courses with subsequent assessment during the #Christie7s that kicks off tomorrow at the RFUEA Grounds,” KRU said in a statement on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Christie’s 7s schedule

In Division One, Strathmore Leos headline Pool A alongside hosts Kenya Harlequin, Zetech Oaks, and MSC Rugby. Pool B features Catholic Monks, Nakuru RFC, Impala RFC, and MMUST. Menengai Oilers lead Pool C, joined by defending champions Kabras Sugar, Daystar Falcons, and Uganda’s Ruga Ruga Select. Pool D pits KCB Rugby against Mwamba RFC, Nondescripts, and varsity outfit KU Blak Blad.

Division Two will feature 20 teams divided into five pools of four. Slot allocation saw affiliate clubs take six spots, Nairobi Region five, performance-based entries four, and other regions five. The pools are:

Pool A: Kisumu RFC, Kisii Polytechnic, JKUAT Cougars, Masaku Rugby

Pool B: Homeboyz RFC, Kabarak University, TUM Marines, Stormers RFC

Pool C: AP Warriors, Stallions Rugby, Sigalagala Polytechnic, Cooperative University

Pool D: Embu RFC, Kiambu Rugby, Northern Suburbs, Eagles Rugby

Pool E: South Coast Pirates, Ngong Warriors, NYS Spades, Rongai Morans

The women’s competition will be split into two tiers.

Tier One’s Pool A will feature Mwamba RFC, Kenya Harlequin, Northern Suburbs, and Impala RFC.

Tier Two’s Pool B includes NYS Ladies, Ruck It Rugby, Meru Ladies, and Rongo University. Both tiers will see three pool matches, followed by semi-finals and finals to crown champions in each category.