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List of 20 teams confirmed for 2025 Safari 7s as tournament returns to Nyayo Stadium
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 06.10.25. | 17:08
The Safari 7s is regarded as one of the continent’s premier rugby events and continues to attract a rich blend of international and regional teams battling for the prestigious Robin Cahill Trophy
20 teams: 12 men’s and eight women’s sides have been confirmed for the 2025 Safari 7s, scheduled from Thursday, 9 to Sunday, 12 October, at the Nyayo National Stadium.
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This year’s edition marks a grand return to Nyayo, a venue that previously hosted the tournament in 2011, 2012, and 2021.
Nyayo, which recently underwent a facelift ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), is expected to buzz with excitement as fans witness some of the best rugby sevens action on African soil.
The Safari 7s is regarded as one of the continent’s premier rugby events and continues to attract a rich blend of international and regional teams battling for the prestigious Robin Cahill Trophy.
Defending champions Kenya Shujaa will be eyeing a fourth consecutive title after completing a remarkable three-peat last year in Machakos.
Shujaa clinched the 2024 title courtesy of a hard-fought 12–0 victory over Shogun Rugby, becoming the first side to win three straight titles since 2008–2010.
In that tense final, Shujaa’s resilience shone through despite losing Patrick Odongo to a yellow card in the second half. Key assists from Samuel Asati set up Dennis Abukuse and Benson Salem for the decisive tries, sealing another memorable triumph.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Morans, Shujaa’s second-string side, secured third place after an emphatic 26–5 win over the Zimbabwe Cheetahs, avenging earlier defeats at the All-Africa Games and Africa Men’s 7s. Club side Kenya Harlequin also impressed with a fifth-place finish.
This year, Shujaa’s title defence will be challenged by an impressive list of challengers. Zimbabwe and Uganda, regional heavyweights who have consistently tested Kenya’s mettle, will return with vengeance in their eyes.
Zambia, Reunion, and Walukuba Barbarians (Uganda) promise fresh fire, while invitational sides like Shogun Rugby, French Renegades, UK Select, and Apache Rugby add international flair.
Local giants KCB RFC, fresh from a strong National 7s Circuit season, complete the field.
The women’s category features eight teams, headlined by defending champions Costa Blanca Barbarians, who will seek to retain their crown.
They will face tough opposition from Belgium, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Shogun Rugby, Kenya Lionesses 1, Kenya Lionesses 2, and Costa Blanca Barbarians.
As part of the build-up, an Under-16 age-grade competition will serve as the curtain-raiser on Thursday and Friday.
The two-day tournament will feature eight regional teams: Nairobi, Eastern, Coast, International Schools, Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Central, and will also act as national trials for the Kenya U16 team set to represent the country at the Africa Youth Olympic Games in Angola this December.
