KCB eye winning start as National 7s Circuit kicks off at Prinsloo 7s
Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 25.07.26. | 09:00
The Bankers are in Pool C alongside Nondescripts RFC, CUEA Monks and newly promoted NYS Spades
The 2026 National Sevens Circuit gets underway this weekend as the 17th edition of the Prinsloo 7s takes center stage at the Nakuru Athletics Club from Saturday, 25 to Sunday, 26 July.
The opening leg of the six-tournament series is expected to set the tone for another fiercely contested circuit, with reigning overall champions KCB Rugby, defending Prinsloo champions Strathmore Leos, Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar, hosts Nakuru RFC, and several other top clubs all chasing an early advantage in the title race.
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Reigning National Sevens Circuit champions KCB Rugby head into the tournament determined to reclaim the Prinsloo title after falling short in last year's final.
The Bankers were beaten 26-7 by Strathmore Leos in the 2025 final but recovered impressively to dominate the rest of the campaign, winning the overall circuit title with a record-breaking 126 points.
Their season culminated in a 12-5 victory over rivals Kabras Sugar in the Dala 7s final in Kisumu, sealing one of the most dominant campaigns in the competition's history.
KCB head coach Andrew Amonde believes his charges are ready for another title challenge.
"We are excited to get back into competitive rugby and begin another National Sevens Circuit campaign. The players have put in a tremendous amount of work during pre-season, and the focus now is to translate that preparation into strong performances on the pitch. We know the competition will be tough from the very first tournament, but our ambition is to start the season positively and challenge for the Prinsloo 7s title," Amonde said.
KCB have strengthened their squad with the arrival of Kenya internationals Nygel Amaitsa from Strathmore Leos and David Nyangige from Impala RFC, both of whom are in line to make their competitive debuts.
The squad is loaded with international experience, with Kenya Sevens stars George Ooro, Samuel Asati, Vincent Onyala, Festus Shiasi and Floyd Wabwire joining captain Olukusi and vice-captain Brian Wahinya.
KCB have been drawn in Pool C alongside Nondescripts RFC, CUEA Monks and newly promoted NYS Spades.
Pool A is widely viewed as the tournament's toughest group, featuring Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar, Kenya Harlequin, Mwamba RFC and Embu RFC.
Defending Prinsloo champions Strathmore Leos headline Pool B where they begin the defence of their title against Daystar Falcons, MMUST RFC and Kisumu RFC.
Hosts Nakuru RFC will enjoy home support in Pool D but face stiff opposition from neighbours Menengai Oilers, Impala RFC and Blak Blad.
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Strathmore Leos arrive in Nakuru as defending Prinsloo champions after defeating KCB Rugby 26-7 in last year's final.
The university side will be looking to successfully defend their title and make another statement after finishing second overall in the 2025 National Sevens Circuit standings.
Mwamba RFC have received a major boost with the return of former Kenya Sevens captain Tony Omondi, who makes his long-awaited comeback after an extended injury layoff.
His return provides valuable leadership to Paul Murunga's youthful squad, which has also been strengthened by the arrival of former Impala RFC star Amon Bwambok and new signing Raynold Anduvate.
Murunga will be assisted by Kelvin Juma, Jeff Onyango, Levis Kituyi and Ian Wamalwa as the Black Shirts seek a positive start to the campaign.
Menengai Oilers will be aiming to capitalize on home support after naming a strong 14-man squad for the tournament.
Bildad Ogeta and Glacious Owino will serve as co-captains, while four players, Moses Ajak, Veron Kaburu, Wilson Tonya and Owino, are set to make their Prinsloo debuts.
The Nakuru side will also rely on Kenya Cup top points scorer Alvin Khavoli to spearhead their attack.
Former National Sevens Circuit champions Kenya Harlequin have named four debutants in their squad, including Upper Hill School sensation and KSSSA 15s MVP Shakur Nyongesa.
Nyongesa is joined by Lawrence Ndungu, Davis Otundo and Brighton Omondi as Quins seek to reclaim the circuit title they last won in 2024.
Captain David Mwangi will lead a squad that retains several experienced campaigners including Patrick Wainaina, Albert Alela and Michael Ochieng.
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Nondescripts RFC have recruited heavily ahead of the new season, bringing in former Strathmore Leos standout Barnabas Owuor, former Kabras RFC utility player Lamech Ambetsa and ex-Mwamba player Brian Ayimba.
The trio will make their National Sevens Circuit debuts for the Ngong Road club alongside Ruff N Tuff MVP Tony Fidens and tournament top scorer Ronnie Omondi, who has been entrusted with the captaincy.
Blak Blad have named Rodgers Okoth and Bryson Ogamba as co-captains of a youthful 13-man squad that also includes Henry Juma, Gabriel Otete, George Ambale, Abel Oyaro and Bilton Mbalani.
The technical bench comprises John Wanga, Pedro Momanyi, Brian Shile, Claude Nyamiro and Elvis Otete.
In Division 2, 16 teams are competing under a revised format featuring four pools of four teams.
Pool A consists of Makueni Ravens, KCA University, Kabarak University and NYS Scorpions.
Pool B features Zetech Oaks, MKU Thika, Nandi Bears and UOE Trojans.
Pool C comprises Homeboyz Rugby, Northern Suburbs, Kitale Rugby and Egerton Wasps, while Pool D includes AP Warriors, Stallions Rugby, Eldopoly Community and Molo Rugby Club.