At the crack of dawn in Mombasa, under the promise of humid coastal skies, anticipation is already electric as the 2025 National 7s Circuit and Driftwood Sevens prepare to launch at Mombasa Sports Club. This curtain-raiser is more than just a rugby tournament; it is a collision of legacy, ambition, and the raw hunger that keeps Kenyan rugby thriving. With storied clubs, upstart challengers, and the ever-present hum of community spirit, the Driftwood Sevens is, once again, the talking point for fans across the nation.
Chasing new legends in Mombasa
This year’s circuit explodes into life with no shortage of drama starting at the Driftwood Sevens. Defending champions Kenya Harlequin, fresh from clinching their first National 7s title in over a decade last season, find themselves in what many regard as the ‘group of death.’ In Pool A, they are set to face MMUST, the energetic Kenyatta University Blak Blad, and Nairobi stalwarts Mwamba RFC. Mwamba, buoyed by their recent runner-up finish at the Ruff n Tuff 7s, are returning with fire in their eyes, adding extra spice to a highly competitive group.
Last season, Quins displayed tough consistency, gracing five semi-finals and seizing both the Driftwood 7s and Ingo 7s crowns. They finished atop the standings with 109 points, narrowly eclipsing Kabras RFC who trailed by just four. It marked Quins’ fourth National 7s title, reinforcing their spot among Kenya’s elite—alongside the likes of Impala, KCB, and, indeed, Mwamba. The journey that led them here is a testament to a club’s ability to rediscover its edge, proving that tradition can go hand in hand with reinvention.
Pool draws spark new rivalries
The stage this year is set for fierce new rivalries. In Pool B, 2024 runners-up Kabras RFC square off against Catholic Monks, Nakuru RFC, and the revitalized Impala side. Kabras enter the circuit with a bruised pride and unfinished business after narrowly missing last year’s top spot. Their path to redemption is marked by cunning determination and a roster that has learned not just to attack, but to endure under pressure.
Pool C may not feature as many headline names, but KCB Rugby—last season’s other major title chaser—take the spotlight. With Nondies, Daystar Falcons, and hosts Mombasa Sports Club to contend with, every game will be a crucial test of depth and recovery. Meanwhile, Pool D brims with unpredictability, featuring Menengai Oilers, newly-branded Stallions, Kabarak University, and the Ruff n Tuff 7s champions Strathmore Leos. Leos, who have recently shown glimpses of dominance, are determined to convert potential into hardware.
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Strathmore Leos and the fight for discipline
Few stories illustrate the depth of preparation quite like that of Strathmore Leos. Under head coach Willis Ojal, the team has found a new identity, snagging the Ruff n Tuff 7s with a string of hard-fought wins. The Leos’ triumph was not without its bruises: two yellow cards in the final served as a cautionary tale about the fine line separating glory from heartbreak. Ojal has underscored discipline as the team’s compass entering the circuit, emphasizing that last year’s fifth-place finish was defined by missed opportunities as much as it was by late surges.
The Leos’ squad is now drawn from the 18 who conquered at the Ruff n Tuff 7s, including MVP Elton Amalemba and dynamo Shem Okolla. Their mantra is one of relentless improvement, striving for clinical precision at every phase. Last season, they notably surged late to claim the Prinsloo 7s, breaking a 15-year drought, but Ojal knows only sustained excellence will suffice for victory in one of the most open and demanding circuits to date.
Evolution, philosophies, and the wisdom of veterans
The opening act of the 2025 National 7s Circuit is not just about raw power, but also about the evolution of the game itself. One of the circuit’s most respected voices, former Kenya Sevens captain Oscar Ouma, has been vocal about his concerns for the direction of Kenyan sevens rugby. Drawing from his own storied era—which included upsets over New Zealand and the glory of Singapore 2016—Ouma stresses that the modern game may be sacrificing spatial awareness and skill in favor of contact-heavy confrontation.
Now back at his roots with Nakuru RFC, Ouma is working to inject greater “game sense” into his players, advocating for experimentation, flexibility, and a return to collective strength. Nakuru’s fight against relegation in the 2024/25 Kenya Cup season only serves as a backdrop to their ambitions for the sevens, reminding all that fortunes can turn quickly when systems are strong and egos are kept in check.
Driftwood Sevens sets the circuit tempo
In many ways, the Driftwood Sevens remains a microcosm of Kenyan rugby’s enduring energy—where reputation meets hope and every match can tilt the balance of the coming weeks. From the Division One behemoths to the spirited Division Two aspirants, the sense of occasion is bolstered by a record 36 teams applying for slots, though KRU’s criteria ensures a blend of past performance, rankings, and regional representation. Sixteen Division Two teams, from AP Warriors to South Coast Pirates, will jostle for the right to write their own stories.
Adding to the excitement, Kenya Breweries Limited, through their Tusker brand, steps in as title partner, fueling not only the logistical veins of the tournament but also the off-field festivities. The partnership continues a tradition of robust support for rugby culture, reinforcing that the struggle and spectacle of the sport extends beyond the pitch.
Looking down the road: the 2025 circuit journey
The Driftwood Sevens will be the pulse-check for a season that promises six passionate stops. After Mombasa, the road leads to Nakuru for the Prinsloo 7s, moves onward to Nairobi’s Christie 7s, and continues through Embu, Machakos for Kabeberi 7s, and ultimately to Kisumu for the Dala 7s final. Each tournament carries its own flavor, audience, and tactical landscape—testing not just fitness and skill, but adaptability and endurance.
For fans and newcomers alike, this circuit offers a rare window into what makes Kenyan rugby so compelling. The relentless sunshine of Mombasa, the sea breeze, and the roar of the crowd are only part of the story. The real action is in the grit of a young player breaking out, a veteran’s sly hand in a try-saving tackle, or a team—like Quins or Leos—redefining their destiny with every play. Those are the moments that keep us coming back, season after season.
Inspiration from struggle and ambition
If anything, the 2025 National 7s Circuit and Driftwood Sevens serve as a reminder that sport is much more than silverware or records. At its core, it is an ongoing dance of discipline and creativity, pride and humility, strategy and chance. The opening whistle in Mombasa is a call not just to teams, but to every supporter, sponsor, and dreamer who finds meaning in the bounce of a rugby ball and the sudden swing of fortune.
As the tournament kicks off this Saturday, keep your eyes peeled for moments of magic—not just from marquee names, but from every corner of the pitch. For here, under the Driftwood sun, new legends are ready to be born and old stories are waiting for their next epic chapter.
