Sold-out success spurs excitement ahead of 36th Driftwood 7s

Brian Mwenje
By Brian Mwenje June 24, 2026 10:07 (EAT)
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Sold-out success spurs excitement ahead of 36th Driftwood 7s

Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir (in white T-shirt) handing over the trophy to Kenya Harlequin players after winning the Driftwood 7s final against KCB on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Photo by Mark Mutuku, Citizen Digital.

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The iconic Driftwood 7s will return to the Kenyan coast on August 22-23, with Mombasa Sports Club set to host the fourth leg of the 2026 National Sevens Circuit (NSC).

The event has become one of the most celebrated tournaments on the local rugby calendar; Driftwood 7s has grown into more than just a rugby competition. It is a festival that combines top-level sevens action, coastal culture, music, and entertainment, attracting fans from across the country. The tournament traces its roots back to the early 1990s and has become one of the longest-running rugby sevens events in East Africa.

Excitement is already building ahead of this year's edition, especially after the tournament recorded a historic turnout last season. Tickets sold out completely as thousands of fans packed Mombasa Sports Club to witness thrilling rugby action. However, it was not just the rugby that drew the crowds. A vibrant entertainment package put together by Listen Media, featuring performances from renowned artists and DJs, transformed the event into a complete sports and entertainment festival. The combination of elite rugby, live music, fan activations, and Mombasa's unique coastal atmosphere created an unforgettable experience that appealed to both rugby lovers and casual fans alike.

Organizers will now be looking to build on that success and deliver an even bigger spectacle when the tournament returns in August. As the fourth stop on this year's National Sevens Circuit. 

This year's NSC will kick off on 25th July with Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru opening the floor; Kisumu city will host the second leg, Dala 7s, on 1-2 August, then Kabeberi 7s will be the third leg on 15-16 August before the eagerly awaited Driftwood 7s follows. The tournament's famous social scene, entertainment offerings, and fan experiences have helped make it one of the most anticipated events on the rugby calendar.

The competition also continues to play a key role in developing Kenyan rugby by providing a platform for talent identification and national team scouting.

KCB RFC won last year's Driftwood 7s edition after narrowly edging out Strathmore Leos 15-14 in the final held at the Mombasa Sports Club, Kabras finished third after defeating Nakuru RFC 21-10.

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