KRU to use National 7s Circuit to pick national teams players

Speaking during the official launch of the 2025 National 7s Circuit season at RFUEA Grounds, Odera noted that the six-leg competition will be instrumental in identifying and assessing talent for national duty.

He emphasized that all national team players who are medically fit are expected to participate in the circuit that kicks off this weekend with the Driftwood 7s at Mombasa Sports Club, running from 26 to 27 July.

“In every leg, head coaches from Division One teams will submit a list of seven players they believe deserve a chance to play for the national team,” said Odera.

“These recommendations will be crucial in narrowing down the final squad for Shujaa and the Lionesses.”

In the recent past, there have been talks of favouritism in the national team with players from the semi-professional clubs not getting a fair chance to represent the country.

Interestingly, 2024 7s champions Kenya Harlequins did not have any representative in the Shujaa team despite them bossing the circuit the whole season.

KRU CEO Thomas Odundo echoed Odera’s sentiments, describing the circuit as a vital pathway to the national team.

Odundo noted that while the tournament previously served as a preparation platform for the World Rugby Sevens Series, its role has since evolved.

“The circuit has matured. It’s no longer just a training ground for the national team but a key scouting platform for new talent and a means to keep our elite players sharp,” said Odundo.

The six-leg series is expected to attract top clubs from across the country and provide a competitive arena for emerging and established players to showcase their abilities.

These legs are scheduled to take place over two months, starting in July and concluding in September. The legs are as follows-

Driftwood 7s: July 26-27 (Mombasa)

Prinsloo 7s: August 2-3 (Nakuru)

Christie 7s: August 16-17 (Nairobi)

Embu 7s: August 23-24 (Embu)

Kabeberi 7s: September 6-7 (Nairobi)

Dala 7s: September 13-14 (Kisumu)