Battle royale as KRU Women's 10-Aside Festival returns

The Kenya Rugby Union Women’s 10-Aside Festival returns to center stage on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi set to host a full day of fast-paced, competitive women’s rugby action. 

Bringing together 10 teams from across the country, the festival marks a key moment in the build-up to the 2026 Kenya Cup Women’s League, which kicks off just a week later on February 7.

Designed as both a development platform and a competitive showcase, the tournament offers emerging sides valuable exposure while allowing established teams to sharpen their systems ahead of the league season. 

Since its inception in 2015, the Women’s 10-Aside Festival has grown into a staple of the Kenyan rugby calendar, often staged in multiple legs across different regions, and remains central to the growth and strengthening of the women’s game.

This year’s edition will follow a two-pool format, with teams divided into Pool A and Pool B, each containing five sides. Action gets underway at 9:00 AM, with teams battling through the pool stages before progressing to the knockout rounds.

The main Cup Final is scheduled for 5:50 PM, capping off what promises to be an intense and entertaining day.

Pool A features Mwamba Women, Quins Queens, NYS Spades, Pioneer Gilgil, and Murang’a Ladies, a mix that blends traditional rugby powerhouses with teams eager to make a statement. Pool B will see Northern Suburbs, Blad Babes, NYS Scorpions, Kiamba Ladies, and Kisii University go head-to-head, offering a compelling balance of experience and youthful energy.

Beyond silverware, the festival carries deeper significance. It serves as a pace-setter for the 2026 season, giving coaches and players a chance to test combinations, assess fitness levels, and gauge the competitive landscape before the league begins.

For fans, it is an early glimpse of rivalries and rising talent shaping the months ahead.