2025 Prinsloo 7s will go down as one of the most thrilling chapters in Kenya’s sevens rugby circuit, not only for the quality of play but also for the sheer drama both on and off the pitch at Nakuru Athletic Club. With the backdrop of Nakuru RFC’s centenary and a fresh sponsorship boost, the emotion, grit, and spectacle woven through every match turned this leg of the National Sevens Circuit into a living showcase of sporting excellence.
Historic venue, fresh energy
The Nakuru Athletic Club, celebrating 100 years of sporting tradition, stood as a testament to the deep roots of rugby in Kenya. Tournaments at this landmark venue always bring an extra level of anticipation, but this edition was elevated by Ksh. 3 million worth of sponsorship from Kenya Breweries Limited’s Tusker brand. This partnership not only supported logistics and operations, but also guaranteed an electrifying fan experience, complete with high-energy afterparties and true community spirit. For Nakuru RFC Chairman Aggrey Omiyo, it was a chance to spotlight the spirit and hard work of the hosts as thousands of fans descended on the Rift Valley, eager for both rugby and revelry.
The stage is set: pool highlights
The pools promised fireworks from the get-go, and early matches did not disappoint. Defending Prinsloo 7s champions Strathmore Leos strode into Nakuru as favorites, carrying the pain of a dramatically narrow loss to KCB in the Driftwood 7s final just a week before. Powered by consistency and creativity under coach Willis Ojal, the students drew first blood in Pool B, overwhelming Zetech Oaks 38-0 and sending early warning shots to rivals.
Pool A saw hosts Nakuru RFC harness the energy of their home crowd, especially in a masterful 19-0 victory over Mombasa RFC, as Javan Otieno’s solo brilliance set the tone. Kenya Harlequin, resilient as ever, overturned an early deficit to surge into the quarterfinals unbeaten, dispatching Kabete Stallions 26-7 and then edging out Nakuru 15-12 in a pulse-pounding pool decider.
Menengai Oilers, cheered on by local fans, dominated Pool B and exacted sweet revenge over Strathmore Leos with a 19-7 win, underlining the unpredictable nature of sevens rugby. In Pool C, KCB Rugby were remorseless, steamrolling through their games and conceding barely any points as they dispatched teams like Kisumu RFC and Nondescripts.
Pool D delivered the tournament’s emotional heart: Mwamba RFC, written off after a disastrous start to the season, found their spark in Nakuru. Back-to-back wins, including the headline-grabbing 17-15 upset over Kabras RFC, had coach Lavin Asego in tears of joy on the touchline, a moment embodying raw sports passion that every rugby fan lives for.
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Mwamba’s shock and Kabras’ response
The clash between Mwamba and perennial powerhouses Kabras RFC quickly became the story of the group stage. Kabras, led by Max Adaka, raced to a 10-0 lead, but Mwamba struck back, with Eugene Odhiambo and Stephen Sakari instrumental in turning the tide. Kabras’ fate hung in the balance until a do-or-die victory over MMUST, powered by two dazzling tries from Lamec Ambetsa, secured their place in the knockouts and spared them an unthinkable early exit.
Quarterfinal drama as students rise
If the pool stage was about heroic comebacks, the quarterfinals delivered shock exits and new heroes. Strathmore Leos, clinical and composed, dismantled Kenya Harlequin 26-0, with Stansilaus Shikoli and Nygel Amaitsa showcasing the depth and flair of the students’ squad. KCB, built on power and precision, edged past Kabras 17-5 in a tense encounter where Floyd Wabwire’s relentless running proved the difference.
Catholic University of East Africa Monks, underdogs in many eyes, outlasted Mwamba 12-7 to reach their first semifinal of the season, a testament to the growing depth among varsity teams. Oilers and Nakuru’s Nakuru Derby carried a special sting, as Oilers prevailed to set up another date with KCB – a rivalry quickly becoming sevens folklore.
Semifinals showcase Strathmore’s firepower
In the semifinals, Strathmore Leos simply ran riot, thumping CUEA Monks 40-0 courtesy of Victor Mola’s finishing and a collective display of ruthless attacking rugby. Each drive, try, and tackle from the Madaraka-based side bore the stamp of a team determined not just to win, but to dominate and entertain.
The KCB and Oilers clash was a tighter affair, as Vincent Ongala’s late try secured a 10-5 win and sent the Bankers back to a second consecutive final. Oilers, unlucky again, showed heart but ultimately fell short.
Final showdown and stormy conclusion
Fittingly, the Prinsloo 7s finale pitted last week’s foes KCB and Strathmore Leos in a rematch drenched in both anticipation and, as fate would have it, rain. Strathmore seized the early initiative, with Victor Mola spearheading an unstoppable opening blitz, slicing through KCB’s defence for an early lead. Stansilaus Shikoli and Barnabas Owino added tries as Strathmore took a commanding 24-7 edge by halftime.
With the skies opening, play was called off three minutes early, but the victory – and redemption for last week’s heartbreak – was already sealed. The Leos celebrated a complete team effort, retaining the Prinsloo 7s title in style. Mola’s performance, including his status as top try and points scorer, will be remembered as the stuff of rugby folklore.
Notable stories off the pitch
While the men’s final grabbed the headlines, other stories sparkled as well. In the women’s competition, Mwamba RFC, fueled by Edith Nariaka’s double, edged Kenya Harlequins for the title. Nakuru RFC gave home fans something to cheer about with a dramatic 24-19 extra-time win over Quins for fifth place, while Daystar Falcons romped to the Challenge Trophy.
Kenyan rugby fans also found reasons to celebrate as the circuit’s growing commercial muscle was confirmed by the robust Tusker sponsorship. The afterparty at Tusker Village mirrored the vibrancy on the field, blending sport, music, and camaraderie into an unforgettable weekend.
A tale of resilience and renewal
The 2025 Prinsloo 7s was about so much more than scores and statistics. It was a tapestry of ambition and redemption, where Strathmore Leos reminded fans why champions respond to setbacks with even greater resolve, and teams like Mwamba proved that faith and fight can shape new destinies. Even as the rain washed away the closing minutes, memories from Nakuru will resonate long after the pitches dry, carried by both the players and every fan who witnessed this centenary celebration of Kenyan rugby.
