Former Impala player Lameck Dunde has expressed his disappointment and concern over the absence of Saracens in the ongoing National 7s Circuit.

Impala, a historically successful rugby club, did not participate in the recent Dala 7s tournament and has also been excluded from the upcoming Driftwood 7s.

Impala relegation

This comes after the club’s relegation from the Kenya Cup in June 2022 and their subsequent failure to secure promotion back to the top tier.

Dunde, who played for Impala before moving, believes that someone or something is intentionally hindering the club’s progress and aspirations.

He strongly believes that a club of Impala’s stature and with its rich history should not be absent from the 7s circuit.

“I will repeat, just in case I wasn’t clear enough. Someone somewhere is killing dreams at Impala Saracens. There is no way a club with such desire and will can’t take part in the 7s circuit,” Dunde said in a statement on his social media.

Expressing his frustration, Dunde stated that it is disheartening to witness the club’s dreams being stifled in this manner.

“We fought for the bare minimum, and It’s hurting seeing things go down this way,” he added.

Impala’s run

Impala Saracens have been a force to reckon with in Kenyan rugby. They have a remarkable track record, having won the National 7s Circuit consecutively from 1999 to 2001, making them the first-ever three-peat winners in the competition’s history.

Impala have clinched an impressive 10 Kenya Cup titles.

The National 7s Circuit will take a brief pause as the highly anticipated World Rugby U20 Trophy takes place in Nairobi from July 15 to July 30.

The excitement will then resume with the third round, the Prinsloo 7s, which will electrify Nakuru City at the Nakuru Athletic Club on August 5-6.

The prestigious Christie 7s, where top teams will battle for glory, will take place at Nairobi’s RFUEA Ground on August 12-13.

Driftwood 7s, Division 1

Pool A: KCB, Nakuru, Nondescripts, Blak Blad

Pool B: Kabras Sugar, Homeboyz, Kisumu, Mombasa

2 days to go for the driftwood 7s 💪🏿 pic.twitter.com/Arb41f2ayY

— Bob Byron 🌞 (@BobbobooBob) July 5, 2023

Pool C: Strathmore Leos, Menengai Oilers, Catholic Monks, Masinde Muliro

Pool D: Kenya Harlequin, Mwamba, Daystar Falcons, Kabarak University