Rugby moments from the past weekend

As with every other sport, rugby is often filled with exhilarating moments, unpredictable outcomes, and mixed reactions from fans. This past weekend was no exception. However, it was the foreseen relegation of the Kenya 7s national team, Shujaa that sent heartbreaks throughout the Kenyan fanbase. Mozzart Sport takes a look at some of the highs and lows of the weekend.

Return of Great Rift 10s

The 30th edition Great Rift 10s aside that happened over the weekend at the Nakuru Athletic Club was a resounding success. Despite the presence of only six teams for the two-day tournament, among them three Kenya Cup sides, fans turned up in large numbers. This year’s edition was sponsored by the County Government of Nakuru.

What filled the venue to capacity, especially on Saturday 20 was the Kenya Simbas vs Zimbabwe Goshawks match which the Simbas won 48-7.

KCB RFC wins Great Rift 10s

KCB Rugby have crowned the new winners of the 2023 Great Rift 10s after a thrilling 24-10 victory over hosts Nakuru RFC in the finals played at the Nakuru Athletics Club on Sunday 21.

This was the second time the Bankers were winning the Great Rift 10s title, having last won it in 2013 after defeating Mean Machine 10-0. To proceed to the finals stage, KCB RFC won 5-0 over Blak Blad while Nakuru RFC defeated Mean Machine 24-5.

Isaac Njoroge of KCB RFC was crowned the Most Valuable Player with his teammate Geoffrey Okwach being the tournament’s Top Try Scorer. James Macharia of Nakuru RFC became the Most Promising Player.

Kenya Simbas roar past Zimbabwe Goshwaks

Kenya Simbas shocked Zimbabwe Goshawks 48-7 in the Currie Cup match staged at the Nakuru Athletics Club on Saturday 20. The win was the second one for the Simbas in the ongoing Currie Cup matches. They will then face Valke on Saturday 27 at the RFUEA Grounds before taking on SWD Eagles at the same venue on June 3.

Kenya Lionesses impress in Madagascar

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Kenya rugby ladies’ national team, the Lionesses defeated Madagascar 29-20 in the Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener played at the Makis Stadium in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Grace Adhiambo and Judith Auma landed two tries each with Ann Goretti adding a conversion. The Lionesses were also awarded a penalty try.

Their next match will be against South Africa on Wednesday 24 May at 1.00 pm. These matches will decide who will represent Africa in WXV.

Kenya Rugby mourns Benjamin Ayimba

On Sunday 21 April, the Kenya Rugby fraternity remembered the passing away of Coach Benjamin Ayimba who led Kenya to her maiden Singapore 7s title in 2016. The gaffer tragically passed away due to cerebral malaria, and the void he left is yet to be filled.

Kenyans took to social media to celebrate the fallen coach, heaping loads of praises for his impressive job.

Coincidentally, Ayimba was remembered on a day when Kenya’s 7s national team, Shujaa, were relegated from the World Rugby 7s series.

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Shujaa relegated from World Rugby 7s

Kenya 7s were relegated from the World Rugby 7s series following a 12-7 loss to Canada in the playoff final. It was a game on the line for the Shujaa who were meeting Damian McGrath's former charges. Shujaa had defeated Canada 24-19 in their opening pool match and they were looking to win again.

This means that Kenya 7s have dropped to the regional competition where they will have to fight their way back to the series.