KCB target fifth straight Kabeberi Sevens title as Pool ‘D’ thriller awaits

Defending champions KCB Rugby will be aiming to reclaim their winning momentum and extend their dominance of the Kabeberi Sevens when the third leg of the National Sevens Circuit takes place this weekend at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

The Bankers have won the last four editions of Kabeberi and will be chasing a fifth consecutive title, having established themselves as the tournament's dominant force since 2022.

However, their title defence faces an immediate test after KCB were drawn in Pool D alongside newly-crowned Dala Sevens champions Kabras RFC, MMUST Rugby and Nakuru RFC.

KCB head into the tournament looking to make amends for their disappointing outing at the Dala Sevens in Kisumu last weekend, where they surrendered their title after a narrow 14-12 quarter-final defeat to Kenya Harlequin.

Kabras, meanwhile, arrive in Nairobi with confidence after defeating Menengai Oilers in the Dala Sevens final to claim their first National Sevens Circuit title of the season.

The clash between KCB and Kabras is expected to be one of the standout pool fixtures, while MMUST and Nakuru will be looking to upset the two tournament heavyweights.

KCB's recent Kabeberi dominance dates back to 2022, with their latest triumph coming in 2025 when they defeated Daystar Falcons 20-10 in the final.

Away from the senior competition, the tournament will also provide a platform for emerging talent, with organizers expecting between 20 and 30 teams in the Under-17 and Under-18 categories.

Director of Rugby Paul Odera says the youth competition is designed not only to develop talent but also to create a pathway towards international competition, with outstanding players targeting selection for the Youth Olympic Games.

“The Under-16 and Under-18 age group tournaments, which are also serving as part of selection for the Youth Olympics for our boys and girls, is something that we hope we’ll be able to see senior people playing for Mwamba and playing for other clubs in the next three or four years,” said Odera.

Mwamba RFC’s Michael Mwanja says all medical departments have been catered for, while security during the tournament will be provided by the Third Eye security team.

“All departments are well catered for, medically and even security-wise. We have partnered with Third Eye, so all fans, players, sponsors who want to come be rest assured your safety and comfort will be guaranteed.”

The two-day tournament has also received a Ksh.1.5 million sponsorship from Tusker, which will support its organization and enhance the experience for rugby fans at the RFUEA Grounds.

“We have seen a very competitive start to this year's National Sevens Circuit, with KCB taking Prinsloo and Kabras winning Dala Sevens,” said Keza Mpyisi, Tusker Sports Brand Manager.

With KCB chasing a fifth straight crown and Kabras arriving as the latest circuit champions, Pool D promises to be one of the main battlegrounds of this year's Kabeberi Sevens.

2026 Kabeberi 7s pools

Pool A: Kenya Harlequin, Daystar Falcons, Kisumu RFC, Impala RFC

Pool C: Menengai Oilers, Zetech Oaks, Blak Blad, Mombasa RFC

Pool D: Kabras RFC, KCB Rugby, MMUST Rugby, Nakuru RFC