Coach Amonde: KCB ready for National Sevens Circuit

KCB Rugby Club head coach Andrew Amonde says his team is ready for the 2026 National Sevens Circuit after ending its preseason by winning the Juja 7s tournament on Sunday. The bankers blanked Blak Blad 22-5 in the final at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the result has left Amonde bullish.

"For us, the goal has been achieved. We came here to learn, just to try and see how good we can be as a team and to progress on what we were doing. The progression was good and the mission that KCB came out to achieve has been achieved," Amonde said.

The result wrapped up KCB's preseason and comes just under two weeks before the National Sevens Circuit begins with the Prinsloo Sevens in Nakuru on July 25. The side reached the final after beating KCB Cubs 27-21 in the semi-final.

Amonde said entering two teams in the tournament helped the coaches assess more players before naming the squad for the circuit.

"We were able to bring two teams and they competed so well. One was able to go all the way and win the tournament so I think it's just a plus for us as we continue with our preparation," he said.

KCB have added several new players ahead of the season. The club is targeting 13 signings and has already brought in 8, including Kenya Sevens international Nygel Amaitsa from Strathmore Leos and David Nyangige from Impala RFC.

The coach said the new arrivals have settled in well and have made team selection more competitive.

"Some of them have settled in seamlessly. We like the way they're playing and the energy that they have brought into the team. It's just a matter of getting the right combination before naming the final team that will represent KCB in the circuit," he said.

The National Sevens Circuit, organised by the Kenya Rugby Union, is made up of six tournaments played in different parts of the country. This year's series starts with the Prinsloo Sevens in Nakuru before moving to Nairobi, Mombasa, Machakos and Kisumu with clubs earning points at every leg to decide the overall champion.

KCB have won the Kenya Cup eight times but is still chasing another National Sevens Circuit title, and Amonde believes the work done during preseason has left the team in a good place ahead of the opening leg.

"From the two tournaments that we've had, it's been a good preseason for us. We've geared a lot for that circuit, and we're looking forward to going out in Prinsloo to represent ourselves, our fans and the bank.”