National 7s Circuit: KRU announces changes to 2023 sevens schedule
By Collins Amanga, June 13, 2023The 2023 National 7s Circuit 2023 is set to kick off with the Dala 7s at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu City on July 1-2.
Dala 7s will now replace the Tisap 7s which was originally scheduled for June 24 in Eldoret as the opening tournament of the 2023 campaign. Tisap which has since replaced Kakamega 7s will now take place on September 2-3 at the Eldoret Sports Club with the National 7s returning to Eldoret for the first time since the 2018 Sepetuka 7s.
National 7s Circuit Coastal trip
Following the Dala 7s, the circuit will head to the coastal city of Mombasa for the Driftwood 7s at the Mombasa Sports Club on July 8-9. The excitement will then pause briefly as the circuit makes way for the World Rugby U20 Trophy, happening in Nairobi from July 15 to July 30.
The third round, the Prinsloo 7s, will electrify Nakuru City as it takes place at the Nakuru Athletic Club on August 5-6. Nairobi’s RFUEA Ground will be the stage for the highly regarded Christie 7s on August 12-13, showcasing top teams battling for glory.
Finally, Nairobi will once again take the spotlight as the circuit reaches its climax with the George Mwangi Kabeberi Memorial 7s on September 9-10. This prestigious tournament promises thrilling matches and intense competition.
Established in 1999, the National Sevens Circuit has become a highlight of Kenya’s rugby calendar. Hosted by various clubs in collaboration with the Kenya Rugby Union, the circuit brings together teams from across the nation to compete in exhilarating rugby sevens tournaments.
How the Champion is determined
Teams will compete for the coveted National Sevens Circuit title by accumulating points based on their performance in each tournament. The 2023 circuit comprises a total of six tournaments held in five cities and towns across Kenya.
Menengai Oilers were crowned the 2022 National Sevens Circuit Champions, securing a total of 113 points across the six legs of the campaign. This victory marked their first-ever sevens title since the team’s establishment. Coach Gibson Weru, who previously achieved the same feat with Nakuru RFC, led the team to their triumph.
As teams gear up for the National 7s, they have been participating in various tournaments to fine-tune their preparations. MMUST emerged victorious in the Jinja Bungoma and Kisii 7s tournaments. Additionally, friendly matches were held in Kisumu, involving MMUST, Kabras, Western Bulls, and Kisumu teams.
University sides have been utilizing the KUSA 7s to prepare for the upcoming season, and some teams also engaged in a mini-tournament at JKUAT Juja.
Strathmore win Embu
The Embu 7s took place over the weekend, with Strathmore Leos emerging as the 2023 champions. In an exciting final held at the Njukiri showgrounds in Embu, Strathmore Leos defeated Menengai Cream by a convincing margin of 26-0. This match was a rematch of last year’s final, which Strathmore had also won by a score of 19-12 against Menengai.
Strathmore Leos got off to a strong start, with Barnabas Owuor scoring their first try shortly after kick-off, resulting in a 7-0 lead after a successful conversion. Nygel Amaitsa then extended their lead to 14-0 with another try and conversion.
In the second half, Joseph Ayiro and Victor Odhiambo added two more tries, with Matoka Matoka securing another successful conversion, sealing the comprehensive victory over the reigning Kenya Sevens circuit champions.
Here are the revised dates for the 2023 National Sevens Circuit#NSC2023 pic.twitter.com/0PGIWjbUcb
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) June 13, 2023
In the first semifinal of the tournament, Strathmore Leos defeated Catholic Monks by a score of 19-12 to reach the final, while Menengai Cream overcame Menengai Zuri 19-5 to secure their spot in the title match. In the third-place playoff, Menengai Zuri emerged victorious with a 19-12 win against Catholic Monks.
National Sevens Circuit 2023
Dala 7s | Kisumu | 1/2 July
Driftwood 7s | Mombasa | 8th/9th July
Prinsloo 7s | Nakuru | 5th/6th August
Christie 7s | Nairobi | 12th/13th August
Tisap 7s | Eldoret | 2nd/3rd September
Kabeberi 7s | Nairobi | 9th/10th September