T. Nashipae2023 Beach Rugby poised for thrilling action
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 10.06.23. | 17:24
This year’s edition is set for July 14 - 16 at the Safari Beach Hotel in Diani, Kwale.
Rugby fans are lacing up their boots to witness the return of the much-anticipated South Coast five-aside tournament.
This year’s edition is set for July 14 - 16 at the Safari Beach Hotel in Diani, Kwale.
Just like previous editions, this year’s too will be hosted by South Coast Pirates RFC, the only rugby club in Kwale County playing in the KRU Championship league.
Team Mafisi won the last edition after narrowly edging the Big 5s 3-2. Guns for Hire finished fifth winning plate while Shimba Hills Schoolboys scooped the shield in the tournament.
Speaking to Mozzart Sport, the organizers led by South Coast Pirates Coach Kevin Amiani expressed pleasure that the club was hosting the event for the 12th time now, having witnessed the growth since the first edition.
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This year, the extravaganza will attract a total of 28 teams drawn from the Coastal Region, Nairobi, Naivasha, and neighboring countries like Tanzania.
“This annual competition is now in its 12th edition and has grown from a handful of teams to a maximum of 28. Participating teams are from the Coast region, Nairobi, Naivasha, and Tanzania. The teams (from 16 years) can be all women, mixed, all men or veterans (40+),” Amiani offered.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the event attracted teams from the United Kingdom, and Amiani noted that they are now aiming to bounce back.
“The previous year we had teams from the UK when Covid hit, but we are slowly picking up the momentum,” he noted.
According to the organizers, fans can not only expect quality beach rugby, which is its own highlight but also a lifetime experience, a big afterparty, and lots of fun.
How five-aside is played?
The 5s tournament has five players on both sides. Unlike other rules in other versions where a try counts for five points, a try in the 5s game equals a point.
“Each team is comprised of 8 people, 5 of whom are playing at any one time,” Amiani explained.
Teams can also amend the rules depending on their preference. The tournament is played bare-footed on the beach, and teams register to participate.
This year’s participation fee is Ksh.35,000 for a team of eight players, five of whom will be on the pitch.
The registration fee caters to a playing t-shirt, four meals, mineral water, and medical services.
“Touch rugby is not a game of physical contact so it’s open to all. This event is a very high-profile occasion and generates lots of local interest and excitement within the local community. Registration fee Kes 35,000 for 8 pax. This cover playing t-shirts, 4 meals, mineral water, and medicals (physio),” Amiani concluded.
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