All set for 2025 National 7s Circuit kickoff in Mombasa

After 10 months of waiting, rugby fans can finally quench their thirst for action as the 2025 National 7s Circuit kicks off with the Driftwood 7s this weekend.

The event will take place from Saturday 26 to Sunday 27 July at the Mombasa Sports Club.

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This year’s edition has attracted 36 senior teams, with 16 teams competing in Division I and 20 teams in Division II.

The tournament got underway on Friday 25 July with age-grade matches. A total of 26 junior teams competed across the Under 13, Under 15, and Under 18 categories.

The attention now turns to the senior competition, as Division I promises intense battles, hot weather, and high expectations.

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Pool A

Pool A is shaping up as the pool of death.

It features defending National 7s Circuit champions Kenya Harlequin, inaugural Ruff n Tuff 7s runners-up Mwamba RFC, and two university sides; Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).

Quins are also the defending champions of the Driftwood 7s, having edged out KCB Rugby 15-12 in last year’s final.

The Ngong Road side will look to start strong under new head coach Simon Odongo, following the exit of Paul Murunga.

Four new faces; Ramadhan Masete (formerly of Homeboyz), Frank Mukaisi, Michael Ochieng, and Mathew Ouma, have been included in their squad.

Mwamba RFC, under the guidance of Lavin Asego, head to Mombasa in good form, after finishing second at the Ruff n Tuff 7s. They will be aiming to go one better this time.

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Blak Blad will be looking to build on their impressive showing in Mombasa last year, where they reached the semifinals, while MMUST are also keen to make their presence felt.

Pool B

Pool B brings together Kabras RFC, Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks, Nakuru RFC, and returning giants Impala RFC.

Kabras, last year’s overall runners-up in the circuit, will look to bag maximum points early under the leadership of Max Adaka.

Impala RFC make their return to the 7s circuit after a two-year absence.

With Kenya 7s assistant coach Louis Kisia at the helm, the Gazelles will be hoping to make a strong statement.

Nakuru RFC, now coached by former Kenya 7s standout Oscar Ouma, will also be eager to prove their mettle, while the ever-energetic CUEA Monks add depth to a well-balanced group.

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Pool C

KCB Rugby headline Pool C, which also includes Nondescripts RFC, Daystar Falcons, and hosts Mombasa RFC.

KCB, who finished second in Mombasa last year, are seeking redemption after missing out on the overall title in 2024.

Nondies, hosts of the Ruff n Tuff 7s and fifth-place finishers in the 2024 circuit, are expected to be strong contenders.

Daystar Falcons will be banking on their speedster Patrick Odongo to unlock defences and earn crucial points.

Mombasa RFC will be playing in familiar territory and will hope to use home support and coastal heat to their advantage.

Pool D

Strathmore Leos, fresh from winning the Ruff n Tuff 7s, are the headline team in Pool D alongside Menengai Oilers, Stallions, and Kabarak University.

The Leos have shown they are in top form and will look to continue that momentum in Mombasa.

However, they will be wary of the Oilers, who are always dangerous and will be out to impose themselves early in the season.

Stallions, who impressed last year by finishing 12th with 32 points, will be eager to build on that.

Kabarak University also return to the circuit aiming to make their presence felt.