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Watamu Beach Rugby set for thrilling comeback
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 16.04.24. | 13:56
The event promises to bring back the heartwarming blend of sun, sand, and scrums that rugby lovers had missed
Rugby fans are lacing up their boots to witness the return of the Watamu Beach Rugby festival that will get underway June 8-9 at Aquarius Beach in Watamu, Kilifi County.
The festival makes the long-awaited comeback after seven years in the cold.
This comes on the heels of the successful revival of the Malindi Beach Rugby Festival last year.
It also coincides with the conclusion of the second edition of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Beach Games held in Malindi on March 29, 2024.
The event promises to bring back the heartwarming blend of sun, sand, and scrums that rugby lovers had missed.
The organizers led by tournament director Leon Lubanga pointed out that the main aim of this year's edition was to market Kilifi as a sports destination site, in addition to adding a unique highlight in the rugby calendar.
Lubang’a who also doubles up as the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Coastal Region Development Officer (RDO) is pleased with the strides made to popularize rugby in the Coastal region, but insisted that there was still a long way to go.
Some of the strides made also include the South Coast Pirates’ promotion to the Kenya Cup.
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The Kevin Amiani-coached side made history as the first team from Kwale County to compete in the top-tier league.
“We are happy to bring back beach rugby in Watamu, beach rugby is a variation of rugby union, but played on sand, it's unique to the Kenyan coast, I feel that we shouldn't have let the game die, rugby fans love coming to the coast and playing some rugby while at it, it should be revived and made an international event because it also boosts sports tourism, this year's event promises beach rugby fans an amazing experience in Watamu,” Lubang’a told Mozzart Sport.
His sentiments were echoed by event Director Sammy Khabiri who invited all beach rugby fans to what is anticipated to be a memorable weekend in Watamu.
Khabiri confirmed that three teams from Uganda will feature in the competition.
“As the Watamu Beach Rugby Festival returns we should a lot of competitive and entertaining 5 aside beach rugby action, teams are already excited and talking about the event with Swans Sports Club from Uganda confirming that they will be bringing three teams, other expected teams will be coming from Nairobi and Mombasa,” he offered.
How is five-aside played?
The 5s aside tournament has five players on both sides. Unlike other rules in other versions where a try counts for five points, a try in the 5s game equals a point.
Teams can also amend the rules depending on their preference.
The tournament is played bare-footed on the beach, and teams register to participate.
