More than 20 teams are set to battle for honours during the 17th edition of the National 7s Prinsloo Sevens Championships scheduled for Nakuru Athletics Club (NAC) next weekend.
The tournament, which returns to Nakuru for the 13th time, will mark the opening leg of the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit, with rugby fans expected to witness high-intensity action from some of the country’s leading clubs.
The 2026 Prinsloo Sevens will officially kick off on July 25 and 26, 2026, at the NAC as teams begin their campaign for national circuit glory.
Tournament Director Edward Moseti said preparations are complete and fans should expect exciting performances from participating teams.
“All is set for the tournament that is to begin Saturday morning. More than 20 teams have confirmed participation and we expect entertaining moments for our fans,” Moseti said.
He assured fans and teams that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable tournament.
The competition has received a major financial boost, with SportPesa increasing its sponsorship of the National Sevens Circuit from Sh16 million to Sh34 million, while Tusker has contributed Sh1.5 million towards the tournament.
Moseti said the teams are highly motivated and predicted a competitive championship, adding that fans could witness a new winner emerge.
Hosts Nakuru RFC, popularly known as Wanyore, received a further boost after Smart Application unveiled a Sh3 million sponsorship package to support the team’s preparations.
The sponsorship is expected to strengthen Nakuru RFC’s role as a leading rugby development platform in the county and a pathway for players seeking opportunities at national level.
Moseti explained that Division One will maintain its traditional format, with 16 teams divided into four pools of four.
After the opening day’s pool matches, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the Cup quarter-finals on day two before proceeding to the semi-finals and final.
The remaining eight teams will compete in placement playoffs to determine positions nine to 16.
Division Two, however, will undergo changes, with the number of participating teams reduced from 20 to 16.
The teams will now be divided into four pools of four, adopting a similar structure to Division One, where teams progress from pool matches to quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.
The Division Two lineup will include four teams relegated from Division One in the previous leg, the top four finishers from Division Two, excluding the promoted team, and nine other teams, with priority given to regional teams from host areas.
In the women’s category, the eight participating teams will compete in a single division divided into two pools of four teams each.
All teams will progress to the quarter-finals after pool matches, with the top performers advancing to the semi-finals and final.
The other teams will compete in classification matches to determine their final rankings.
The Division One pools for the main Cup competition feature some of Kenya’s top rugby clubs.
Pool A consists of Kenya Harlequin, Zetech University, Menengai Oilers and Mombasa RFC.
Pool B includes KCB Rugby, Nondescripts, Mwamba RFC and Nakuru RFC.
Pool C brings together KU Blakblad, defending champions Strathmore Leos, MMUST and Catholic Monks.
Pool D comprises Kabras Sugar, Daystar Falcons, Stallions Rugby and Kabarak University.
The Prinsloo Sevens will open a six-leg 2026 National Sevens Circuit running from July 25 to September 13, featuring elite men’s and women’s rugby clubs across the country.
Defending champions KCB Rugby enter the competition as favourites after a dominant 2025 campaign in which they accumulated 126 points and won four of the six tournament titles.
However, they are expected to face stiff competition from Strathmore Leos, who defeated KCB at the Prinsloo and Embu legs last season, as well as other strong contenders including Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers and Kenya Harlequin.
After Nakuru, teams will move to Kisumu for the Dala Sevens at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium from August 1 to 2, followed by Kabeberi Sevens at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on August 15 and 16.
The circuit will continue with Driftwood Sevens at Mombasa Sports Club on August 22 and 23, Embu Sevens at Embu Stadium on September 5 and 6, before concluding with Christie Sevens at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on September 12 and 13.
SportPesa representative Mercy Kabui said the company’s continued investment in rugby is aimed at supporting local talent and promoting home-grown sports.
Kabui said the sponsorship reflects the company’s commitment to grassroots development and providing opportunities for young athletes to grow their skills.
“Rugby is one of the sports that Kenyans hold dear to their hearts and we are pleased to renew the Sevens Circuit sponsorship for the next two years,” she said.
Events Coordinator Kevin Odhiambo said the National Sevens Circuit has become an important platform for showcasing Kenya’s rugby talent and bringing fans together across the country.
He noted that many emerging players who participate in the circuit eventually progress to represent Kenya on international platforms.
By Jane Ngugi and Dennis Rasto
