Why Upper Hill have withdrawn from upcoming Prescott Cup
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 20.06.25. | 20:57
The school cited disorganization and misrepresentation of the tournament's structure for their withdrawal
Five-time champions Upper Hill School have withdrawn from the 2025 Prescott Cup nationals.
The competition is scheduled to run from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 June in Nairobi.
In a statement seen by Mozzart Sport on Friday, 20 June, the school cited disorganization and misrepresentation of the tournament's structure for their withdrawal.
Their decision, comes despite a dominant start to their campaign, casts a cloud over one of the country's most prestigious school rugby tournaments
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“As Upper Hill School, the defending champions of the Prescott Cup, we wish to officially communicate that we will not be participating in the upcoming fixtures.
We are withdrawing from the remaining fixtures due to serious concerns about the tournament's disorganization: last-minute changes, unclear pooling, and a misleading attempt to present it as a national event.
We believe in upholding standards and urge organizers to improve,” the statement read.
Upper Hill top the Nairobi A standings after an emphatic 60-0 win over Strathmore School at the regional stage.
What further casts a doubt on the competition is the nationwide protests planned for Thursday 26.
It remains unclear whether the tournament will kick off as scheduled.
Participating schools had been instructed to report to Nairobi on Wednesday 25, but the looming unrest has thrown preparations into disarray.
Upper Hill began their campaign in style, topping Nairobi A with five points and a +60 point differential after their opening-round demolition of Strathmore.
Mang’u High School sit second with four points after edging Lenana School 18-8, though they missed out on a bonus point. Lenana and Strathmore remain winless.
In the Nairobi B region, Githinga School leads the table following a 26-3 win over Dawamu. Rift Valley Academy and Alliance High School have yet to play.
Meanwhile, the girls’ competition saw Kinale Girls School and St. Teresa’s Girls shine with dominant victories over Rift Valley Academy and Nova Pioneer, respectively.
The Prescott Cup switched to a knockout format last year after deliberations between schools, organizers, and the Kenya Rugby Union.
But the apparent lack of coordination this season could jeopardize the tournament’s credibility.
Many will not forget the chaotic scenes surrounding the 2023 edition of the competition, which was abruptly cancelled at the last minute, leaving several schools already en route to Nairobi stranded and frustrated.
