Embu Stadium set for Rugby Sevens spectacle as National Circuit returns

What began in 2014 as an invitational pre-season tournament aimed at giving teams from the Central and Eastern regions greater exposure has since grown into an official Kenya Rugby Union National Sevens Circuit leg, attracting some of the country’s leading rugby clubs.

The tournament will feature a strong field in the men’s Division One and Two categories, alongside a competitive women’s competition and age-grade matches designed to nurture the next generation of rugby talent.

Among the Division One sides expected to battle for valuable circuit points are defending champions Strathmore Leos, KCB Rugby, Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers, Kenya Harlequins, Nakuru RFC, Mwamba RFC and hosts Embu RFC.

The stakes are particularly high for Strathmore Leos, who have dominated the competition in recent years, winning four consecutive titles between 2022 and 2025. Their latest triumph came last year when they defeated KCB Rugby 31-21 in the final.

However, with the tournament now enjoying National Sevens Circuit status, the focus will extend beyond defending the Embu title.

Teams will be competing for valuable circuit points, national recognition and momentum as the sevens season gathers pace.

Hosts Embu RFC will be hoping to make the most of home advantage, with strong support from the local crowd expected to give them an extra boost against an increasingly competitive field.

Beyond the elite competition, organisers are also using the tournament to strengthen rugby at grassroots level.

Boys’ and girls’ age-grade competitions will be held in partnership with the Rugby Patrons Society, providing young players with an opportunity to showcase their talent.

The return of the tournament to Embu Stadium therefore promises more than two days of high-level rugby.

It marks the continued growth of a competition that has, for more than a decade, provided a platform for regional players and clubs to test themselves against some of Kenya’s best.