Kisumu, Blak Blad RFC set for repeat match after KRU ruling

The match pitting Kenya Cup sides Kisumu RFC and Blak Blad is set to be repeated following a recent ruling by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).

During the regular season, the match ended prematurely due to fans’ trouble. Kisumu were leading 17-15 when the game was cut short. They had been awarded 4 points with Blak Blad getting 1 point as a result of losing by less than 7 points. But last week, KRU ordered for the game to be repeated in a neutral venue.

The two sides will now face off in a re-scheduled Kenya Cup fixture slated for March 13 2024 in Nakuru. According to KRU, the match will be at Nakuru Athletics Club or ASK Showgrounds.

Both teams are expected to foot their traveling expenses to and from Nakuru.

Homeboyz Rugby relegated from the top tier after 13 years

The burden is on struggling Kisumu RFC as they are expected to bear the host match burden including pitch procurement, pitch marking, match venue/teams/match officials’ security, march day medical and evacuation needs and any other relevant match day hosts costs as guided by the KRU Regulations.

As if not enough, the game will be played with no fans and if Blak Blad makes it to the playoffs, then the playoff involving them will happen on 17th March 2024.

This will be a crucial fixture for Kisumu RFC. If they lose and the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks win against the Oilers, Kisumu will be relegated to the championship level.

At the same time, Blak Blad have earned a walkover from their match against Homeboyz Rugby that was scheduled to be played on Saturday 9 March 2024.

The result means that Blak Blad moved to position six with 24 points and with a game in hand. A win in their game against Kisumu RFC will see them feature in the playoffs.

“Updated Kenya Cup MD 11 fixtures. There will be five matches on the cards. The match between Blak Blad and Homeboyz will not be played. Blad are awarded the walkover against Homeboyz,” KRU announced.

For Homeboyz, they were relegated from the Kenya Cup last Saturday after handing Mwamba RFC a walkover in their match day 10.

With another walkover, Homeboyz have been deducted two more points to see them relegated to the second tier after a 13-year dominance.