2025 Safari 7s venue confirmed

The Safari 7s is set for a grand return to the Nyayo National Stadium, which will host the 2025 edition from Friday, 10 to Sunday, 12 October.

The tournament, hailed as one of Africa’s most prestigious rugby events, will once again bring together top men’s, women’s, and age-grade teams from around the world to compete for the coveted Robin Cahill Trophy.

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This will be the fourth time for Nyayo to stage the competition, having previously hosted it in 2011, 2012, and 2021.

The venue, recently refurbished for the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), last witnessed the tournament four years ago when Kenya Shujaa beat Germany to lift the title.

Defending champions Shujaa are looking to shine with history on their side.

They completed a rare three-peat last year in Machakos after seeing off Shogun Rugby 12-0 in a tense final, extending their winning run after titles in 2021 and 2023.

The victory made them the first side to achieve a treble since 2008–2010.

Costa Blanca Ladies will also be looking to defend their women’s crown.

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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.

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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.