Christie 7s: Hosts Kenya Harlequin land tricky group

Pools for the opening leg of the 2024 National 7s Circuit, Christie 7s, have been announced ahead of the matches slated for Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July at RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi.

In Pool A, KCB Rugby who are the Circuit and Christie 7s defending champions headline Pool A which has Nondies, Homeboyz and Impala RFC.

2017 7s champions Kabras RFC have been placed in Pool B. The 2016 and 2017 Christie champions have been placed in the same pool with Nakuru RFC, Kisumu RFC and Catholic Monks.

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In Pool C Strathmore Leos have been grouped together with hosts Kenya Harlequin, Kenya University’s Blak Blad and Daystar Falcons.

The final pool has 2022 Circuit champions Menengai Oilers, Mwamba RFC, Masinde Muliro and 2023 Division II winners University of Eldoret.

At the same time, 2017 National 7s Circuit champions Kabras RFC have been confirmed as the hosts of the inaugural Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) 7s; the second leg of the 2024 National 7s Circuit slated for Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 August. The much-anticipated leg will be held at the ASK Kakamega Showground.

This will be the third time the 7s circuit will grace Kakamega since 2022 when Kabras RFC won the Kakamega 7s after a 19-7 victory over Menengai Oilers.

Kakamega 7s was hosted by cross town neighbours Kabras RFC and Western Bulls, making the town a familiar venue for rugby lovers. The teams also hosted the circuit in 2019.

KRU 7s replaces Tisap 7s which was held in Eldoret last year after nationwide sides Eldoret RFC and Moi University Arsonists won the bid. It was replaced after facing criticism over several issues including a sub-standard pitch and general poor preparation.

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The 7s action will resume on Saturday 17 to Sunday 18 August when Dala 7s takes centre stage followed by Kabeberi 7s.

Rugby enthusiasts will then travel to the coastal city of Mombasa to witness the Driftwood 7s from Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 September before the final leg; Prinsloo 7s which will happen in Nakuru.

KCB Rugby are the circuit’s defending champions with an impressive total of 113 points, solidifying their dominance with three cup victories throughout the campaign. Their triumphs included Kabeberi 7s, Dala 7s, and Christie 7s, demonstrating their consistency and excellence in the series.

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2024 CHRISTIE 7s POOLS

Pool A: KCB Rugby, Nondescripts, Homeboyz Rugby, Impala RFC

Pool B: Kabras Sugar, Nakuru RFC, Kisumu RFC, Catholic Monks

Pool C: Strathmore Leos, Kenya Harlequin, KU Blak Blad, Daystar Falcons

Pool D: Menengai Oilers, Mwamba RFC, Masinde Muliro, University of Eldoret