Nairobi:The 28th edition of the Safari 7s rugby tournament is set to commence with 18 teams competing over four days, beginning on Friday. Organized by the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), the event will feature 12 men’s teams and six women’s teams from both local and international backgrounds, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills.
According to Kenya News Agency, the men’s competition will be divided into three pools of four teams. Pool A consists of Shujaa, Uganda, Sport Pesa Forward 7s, and Scotland. Pool B includes Shogun, French Renegades, Southern California, and Wellington Jaguars. Pool C brings together Kenya Morans, Zimbabwe, Gel Squad 7s, and Wonder 7s. The women’s competition will follow a round-robin format, with teams such as the Lionesses, Uganda, Kenya Shibli, Tunisia, TUKs Women, and Junior Lionesses participating.
The tournament, a key event on Kenya’s rugby calendar, will also feature the Age Grade and Veterans categories. This year’s competition arrives as Kenya aims to bolster the development and visibility of rugby, offering opportunities for both seasoned players and new talent.
The inclusion of a women’s competition highlights the growing focus on women’s rugby, with teams competing in a format where every match influences the final standings. Preparations for the tournament have reached their final phase, with organizers, teams, and partners finalizing arrangements.
The event has garnered support from several corporate partners, including Sport Pesa and M-PESA as team sponsors, along with Tusker, Coca-Cola, and others. Sponsors are assisting with various tournament needs, such as player recovery, hydration, media coverage, and logistics.
Over the years, the Safari 7s has been a platform for teams to compete in the dynamic rugby sevens format, offering emerging players valuable experience. This edition promises to showcase a diverse range of playing styles as teams vie for victory in both the men’s and women’s categories.
