Story behind Christie 7s rugby event ahead of weekend action
By Joel Masibo, August 12, 2025Kenyan rugby enthusiasts are braced for the third outing of the National Sevens Circuit, Kenya Harlequin Christie Sevens at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, 2025.
History
The showpiece is historical; the competition that would later become known as the Christie Sevens was the brainchild of Alexander “Sandy” Milne Christie. Its origins date back to May 1961, when Kenya Harlequins welcomed two visiting sides, their “older siblings” Pretoria Harlequins from South Africa and London Harlequins from England, for a series of matches at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. While the teams clashed on the pitch, conversations in the stands among club officials gradually shaped the idea for a new tournament.
March 1, 1964, after two unsuccessful attempts to get the event underway, the inaugural edition finally took place, attracting ten participating teams. Impala Club, the Royal Air Force, and Kenya Harlequins each entered two sides, while Nakuru Athletics Club, the Scots Guards, and Strathmore College sent one team apiece.
In the opening round, the Scots Guards overcame RAF B, Kenya Harlequins triumphed over Strathmore College, RAF A beat Kenya Harlequins Wanderers, Impala received a walkover, and Nakuru and the combined Kenya Police/Eldoret RFC were granted byes. The second round saw Impala B defeat the Scots Guards, RAF A edge out Kenya Harlequins, Police/Eldoret get the better of Nakuru, while Impala A advanced without playing.
During the semi-finals, Police/Eldoret beat Impala A, and RAF A secured a win over Impala B. The final was a hard-fought contest, with the Kenya Police/Eldoret combination clinching the championship after an 8–3 victory against RAF A.
In the club’s 1964 program, Kenya Police Honorary Secretary Ian Ross recalled that Eldoret RFC had arrived short of players, prompting a merger for the tournament.
The championship-winning team featured Allan Mackay (Kenya Police), Rob F. Rowland (Kenya Police), A. Barnard (Eldoret), W. C. Collins (Eldoret), Collin E. Pell (Kenya Police), Alex “Sandy” Munro (Eldoret), Douglas Allen Walker (Kenya Police), and J. Ball (Eldoret).
The tournament was named the Christie in honour of the outgoing Kenya Harlequins president. Heading into the weekend action, Kabras Sugar are the Christie Sevens defending champions.