Rugby Super Series is back!

The Kenya Rugby Union has announced the return of the Rugby Super Series after a decade-long hiatus, marking an exciting chapter in Kenyan rugby history.

This tournament has a rich history and has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Kenya 15's rugby.

"We are thrilled to bring it back to life and to provide a platform for our top players to showcase their talent on the national stage once again," Aggrey Chabeda, the chairperson, Rugby Super Series 2024 Organising Committee offered while making the announcement.

For the first time, two Women’s teams will be included as part of ensuring that the game is developed equitably.

The primary aims of the tournament are to elevate the standards of play for the country's top players and to provide them with a clear pathway for selection to the National 15’s team.

The Committee will also look to manage the tournament in a professional and commercially viable manner.

"Our goal is to upgrade the participating franchises to fully-fledged professional teams within the next two years. This will enhance the quality of competition and produce a better-prepared National 15’s whose ultimate aim is to qualify for the Rugby World Cup," Chabeda further offered.

What's more, the organisers have promised an environment for family entertainment that will attract more fans to the Rugby Super Series. "Beyond the action on the field, we envision a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement, music, and activities for fans of all ages to enjoy. Our goal is to make the Rugby Super Series a must-attend event on the Kenyan sporting calendar," the chairperson added.

The Rugby Super Series 2024 will take place on four Saturdays (4th, 11th,18th & 25th of May 2024) with matches scheduled to be held in Nairobi on the first and last weekends and in Nakuru & Kakamega in between.

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The tournament will feature four men's and two women's teams, each representing the Kenya Cup Clubs for the Men while the Women will be part of the National Lionesses’ squad. The team names for the Men are Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Lions, and Rhinos with Eagles and Jaguars for the Women.

Further details regarding the formation of team squads, coaching staff, and compositions of the constituent clubs will be announced at a later date.

The Men’s Format will feature each team facing the other three over the first three match days at KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka, Nairobi, Nakuru Athletics Club in Nakuru, and The Bull Ring in Kakamega respectively with the top two meeting in the final and the other two squaring it off to determine the last two places.

Both Women’s matches will take place in Nairobi with the winners determined by the aggregate score over two games.

All games on any match day will be hosted at one venue to maximize excitement and engagement for both players and fans.