Tisap 7s hosts Eldoret RFC prepare to unleash home heroics

Following the conclusion of the Christie 7s, clubs have now shifted gears to the inaugural edition of Tisap 7s set for the Eldoret Sports Club over the weekend.

Crosstown neighbors Eldoret RFC and Moi University Arsonists, will for the first-time jointly host the penultimate round of the six-legged season. The Eldoret showpiece is a replacement of the Kakamega 7s, which was hosted by Western Bulls and Kabras RFC for the past two years.

This will be the first time the City of Champions is hosting the circuit since the last edition of Sepetuka 7s was held in 2018. Homeboyz RFC are the Sepetuka 7s defending champions.

According to Eldoret RFC coach Yuvilalis Arusa, Tisap 7s will bring life to the rugby scene in Eldoret which has somewhat been dormant since the 2018 Sepetuka 7s, with the last major rugby event being the Chebarbar 7s that happened on July 31, 2022.

“Eldoret has been dormant since Sepetuka in 2018 and we are eager to bring the game back to our fans. We want to make the Eldoret rugby family happy,” said Arusa.

Log leaders Kabras RFC looking to extend fine run in Tisap 7s

The coach further noted that his charges would be keen to entertain their fans come Tisap. Eldoret RFC is a community rugby club that trains at the Eldoret Sports Club. Tisap 7s co-hosts Moi University on the other hand are located at the institution’s grounds in Kesses.

“We want to welcome all our fans to come and cheer us as we showcase the best rugby talent. The return of the sevens series to Eldoret is awesome, not just for the team, but for the whole community. We shall play for the community. We have to enjoy the privilege of hosting this event,” said Arusa.

The hosts are in Pool A of Division II together with Sigalagala RFC, Mount Kenya University (MKU) Nairobi, and Kisii Kifaru.

“We are in a tricky pool and Sigalagala might give us a big challenge. Our biggest target is to reach the final,” coach Arusa said.

Eldoret RFC captain Eldon Keya said that the team would be keen to maximize on the home advantage to bag maximum points. He added that the home tournament minimizes their expenses of traveling and accommodation.

Menengai Oilers keen to rise from setbacks in Tisap 7s

“This will be my first home appearance since I was still a young boy when Sepetuka Sevens was played here. We have no reason not to perform and showcase our talent at home," he said.

Tisap 7s co-hosts Moi University will tackle AP Warriors, Molo RFC, and Mbale RFC.

Tisap 7s Division 2 Pools

Pool A: Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Eldoret, MKU Nairobi, Kisii Kifaru

Pool B: Stallions, MKU Thika, Kabarak University, USIU Martials

Pool C: Makueni, Meru, KCA Sparxx, Nandi

Pool D: Administration Police Warriors, Molo, Moi University, Mbale

Pool E: NYS Spades, Northern Suburbs, Siaya, Homa Baya