2025 Safari 7s dates announced as tournament returns to Nairobi
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 06.02.25. | 10:22
This marks a return to the capital after last year’s event was controversially moved to Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has officially announced the dates for the highly anticipated 2025 Safari 7s tournament, set to take place from Friday, October 10, to Sunday, October 12, in Nairobi.
This marks a return to the capital after last year’s event was controversially moved to Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. This decision sparked criticism from fans due to low turnout and security concerns.
While the tournament’s venue is yet to be confirmed, previous editions have been hosted at the Nyayo National Stadium and RFUEA Grounds. Rugby enthusiasts will be keen to see if the event will return to one of these traditional homes of Kenyan rugby.
Defending champions Kenya 7s, Shujaa, head into the 2025 edition on the back of an impressive three-peat, having secured their third consecutive Safari 7s title in 2024.
Their latest triumph came with a hard-fought 12-0 victory over Shogun Rugby in a closely contested final played at the Machakos Stadium on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
The win added to their previous titles in 2021 and 2023, making them the first team to complete a treble since the 2008-2010 streak. In a rematch of the 2023 final, Shujaa once again outclassed Shogun, previously known as Samurai, in a defensive masterclass.
In their fifth final meeting, both teams struggled to break through each other’s defence in a tense first half. Shujaa’s George Ooro came close to scoring but was unable to ground the ball, and a series of penalties further disrupted their attacking momentum, leaving the halftime score at 0-0.
Shujaa finally found the breakthrough in the second half when Samuel Asati capitalized on a loose ball from the scrum, setting up Dennis Abukuse, who in turn fed Patrick Odongo for the opening try. However, moments later, Odongo was shown a yellow card for tackling without the ball, leaving Shujaa with six players.
Despite being a man down, Shujaa remained resolute in defence and extended their lead when Asati provided another crucial assist, this time to Benson Salem, who sealed the 12-0 victory.
Elsewhere, Kenya’s second-string team, the Morans, claimed third place with an emphatic 26-5 win over the Zimbabwe Cheetahs, avenging recent defeats suffered at the All-Africa Games and the Africa Men’s 7s. Kenya Harlequin also impressed, finishing in fifth place.
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