National Sevens Circuit title on the line as Prinsloo 7s pool are announced

The 2024 National Sevens Circuit reaches its crescendo this weekend ahead of the final leg of the season, the Prinsloo 7s with the pools being announced ahead of the showdown.

Log leaders Kenya Harlequin have been placed in Pool A which sees them tackle Zetech University, Menengai Oilers, and Mombasa RFC.

They will be looking to amass maximum points to be crowned the winners of the circuit. The Paul Murunga-coached side have been consistent this season, reaching the semifinals of each leg. They currently lead the standings with 97 points.

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In Pool B, KCB Rugby will lock horns with Nondies RFC, Mwamba RFC, and hosts Nakuru RFC. The Bankers are placed third on the log with 86 points and are hot on their heels to retain their title. They narrowly missed the Driftwood 7s title after a narrow 15-12 loss to Quins.

Hosts Nakuru RFC will be looking to capitalize on the home advantage to register their best performance. Nondies and Mwamba RFC too will be itching for a quarterfinal slot.

Pool C is arguably the pool of death in the tournament. It is an all-student affair with Driftwood 7s semifinalists Blak Blad, Strathmore Leos, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby, and Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks.

Pool D has Kabras RFC, Daystar Falcons, Stallions Rugby, and Kabarak University.

Standings after Driftwood 7s

Kenya Harlequin are in a prime position to claim the National Sevens Circuit crown after clinching their second cup title of the season.

The team’s narrow 15-12 victory over KCB Rugby in Mombasa earned them 22 points, pushing their overall tally to 97 points and securing the top spot in the standings.

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With a nine-point lead over second-placed Kabras RFC, Quins head coach Paul Murunga is on course to secure his third Circuit title, having previously won with Homeboyz in 2016 and 2018.

Kabras RFC, despite missing out on a podium finish in Mombasa, remains in the title hunt, last winning the competition in 2017. However, their 22-10 semifinal loss to Blak Blad handed Quins a key advantage going into the final leg.

KCB Rugby remains in contention after finishing second in Mombasa, picking up 19 crucial points to stay within striking range of the title. Meanwhile, Menengai Oilers, following consecutive final appearances, have dropped out of the race after missing the quarterfinals in Mombasa.

Strathmore Leos and Catholic Monks are tied at 56 points, closely followed by MMUST with 52. Nondescripts sit on 49 points, and Blak Blad, fresh from their impressive Mombasa performance, holds 41 points. Daystar Falcons complete the top ten with 40 points.

Nakuru RFC stands at 38 points, while Stallions, holding onto 12th position, are on track to secure a spot in the 2025 National 7s Circuit.

Division I Pools

Pool A: Kenya Harlequin, Zetech University, Menengai Oilers, Mombasa RFC

Pool B: KCB Rugby, Nondescripts, Mwamba RFC, Nakuru RFC

Pool C: KU Blak Blad, Strathmore Leos, MMUST Rugby, Catholic Monks

Pool D: Kabras RFC, Daystar Falcons, Stallions Rugby, Kabarak University

Division II

Pool A: TUM Marines, Bungoma RFC, Jackals, KCA University

Pool B: NYS Spades, Mean Machine, Molo RFC, Rongai Morans

Pool C: JKUAT, Ap Warriors, Nandi Bears, Kisii RFC,

Pool D: Northern Suburbs, Ngong Warriors, Eldoret RFC, Presbyterian Uni

Pool E: MKU Thika, Homeboyz RFC, Project 61, Kisii Kifaru

Women’s Pools

Pool A: Impala, Ruck It Rugby, Western Spears, NYS Gilgil

Pool B: Mwamba, Kenya Harlequin, Meru Ladies, Groundshakers

Pool C: Northern Suburbs, Nakuru Ladies, NYS Spades, Kabarak University