Sensational Kubu sets bar higher after Driftwood 7s dream team appearance

Rugby enthusiasts are bracing for yet another season on Kubu's chronicles, this time in the shorter version of the game.

Jone Kubu not only helped his team Kabras RFC claim the Driftwood 7s title with a sudden death 10-7 victory over Menengai Oilers in the finals, but also secured a place among the tournament's Dream Team.

With the taste of victory still fresh, Kubu's ambitions have soared higher as he sets his sights on even greater achievements with the odd-shaped ball.

"All the glory and honor goes back to where it belongs. I am actually proud of the boys. I wouldn't have made the dream team without them," Kubu told Mozzart Sport.

The dynamic player was instrumental in Kabras RFC's matches leading up to the finals, where Kabras won all their pool matches (36-5) against Kisumu RFC, (17-0) against Mombasa RFC, and (35-12) against Homeboyz RFC.

They would then defeat Nondies RFC 21-0 in the quarter finals before humbling Strathmore Leos 12-5 in the semis before the nerve wracking finals, where they narrowly escaped a deep fry from Menengai Oilers 12-7.

According to Kubu, the team had been thoroughly sharpening claws in preparation for the coastal assignment; a secret weapon that won them the title.

"Our preparation leading to Driftwood was on another level. Lots of positive vibes in camp, our recovery process was top notch thanks to our management and the sacrifices of each individual and how we pushed each other during each session was just amazing and it all contributed to our performance over the weekend," Kubu explained.

The nicknamed 'Wizard of Lurambi' also noted that he had set the gaze even higher, vowing to enjoy every moment on the pitch.

Driftwood 7s: Kabras rally to win maiden title in sudden death epic

"There is nothing much to expect. Teams are going to come hard at us in the next few legs. We just need to stay focused on our goal, keep working hard and enjoy every moment around each other," he revealed.

Kubu has been a rare gem for Kabras RFC, steering the team to its first ever Kenya Cup victory in 2016, before recapturing the title on other several occasions, including the concluded 2022/23 Kenya Cup season.

The Fijian-born rugby player also propelled the sugarmen to their maiden Enterprise Cup title in 2019, which they have since retained.

Kubu arrived in Kenya in 2015 as part of the Samurai team for the annual Safari Sevens and was part of a group of Fijian players signed by Kenya Cup side Kabras Sugar.

While his mates stayed for a year and left, Kubu had found a new love for Kenya and felt right at home. Six years later, he received a call up to the Kenya Simbas team by coach Paul Odera, courtesy of a change in rules of eligibility by World Rugby.

He played for the 15s side and also received some call ups with the sevens, but it was in the longer version of the game that he found a home. Only time can tell what he holds in the 7s game.