Kenya's rugby sevens season officially kicks off on July 25 and 26 as the 17th edition of the Prinsloo Sevens takes center stage at Nakuru Athletics Club, marking the opening leg of the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit.

‎‎Thousands of fans are expected to flock to the venue for two days of thrilling rugby as teams begin their quest for the national sevens title.

‎‎Defending champions Strathmore Leos will be looking to retain the Prinsloo Sevens title they won last year after defeating KCB Rugby 24-7 in a rain-soaked final.

The Leos also swept the individual honours through Victor Mola, who was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, Top Try Scorer and Top Points Scorer, as they lifted their third Prinsloo crown.

‎‎This year's tournament introduces a revamped format aimed at growing the game.

According to Kevin Odhiambo, the competitions admin at Kenya Rugby Union and 2026 Sportpesa National 7s Circuit overall tournament director a total of 40 teams will compete in Nakuru, comprising 16 Division One men's teams, 16 Division Two men's teams and eight women's teams.

Nakuru RFC receives sh three million worth of sponsorship ahead of the Prinsloo 7s start which is the first leg of the Kenya's rugby sevens circuit

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

“Prinsloo is the first of six circuit legs before the series heads to Dala, Kakamega, Mombasa, Embu and concludes with Christie Sevens in Nairobi, where the overall champions will be crowned,” he noted.

There is also more to play for this season after title sponsor SportPesa doubled its sponsorship from Sh16 million to Sh34 million.

Mercy Kabui from SportPesa noted that the increased investment has seen prize money rise across all categories, with Division One leg winners taking home Sh150,000 while division two winners take sh 70,000 while the winning women team gets Sh 100,000.

“The overall circuit champions will receive even bigger rewards at the conclusion of the series taking home sh 300,000 as a team,” Kabui noted.

Mercy Kabui from SportPesa during the pool's launch of the first leg of the Sevens Circuit at the Nakuru Athletics club.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

‎‎The Division One draw has produced several mouth-watering fixtures.

Pool A features Kabras Sugar, Kenya Harlequin, Mwamba RFC and Embu RFC. Pool B brings together defending champions Strathmore Leos, Daystar Falcons, MMUST RFC and Kisumu RFC. Pool C consists of KCB Rugby, CUEA Monks, Nondescripts and NYS Spades.

‎‎However, Pool D is expected to steal the spotlight as it pits Menengai Oilers against Nakuru RFC in a highly anticipated home derby. The two Nakuru rivals are joined by Impala RFC and Blak Blad, setting up one of the toughest pools of the tournament and renewing one of the fiercest rivalries in Kenyan rugby.

‎‎The women's competition also promises exciting action.

‎‎Pool A comprises Mwamba RFC, Impala RFC, NYS Ladies and Jackals Women, while Pool B features Northern Suburbs, Kenya Harlequin, Kiambaa Ladies and Pioneer Ladies.

‎The expanded women's category is one of the major highlights of this year's circuit as Kenya Rugby Union continues to strengthen the women's game.

Nakuru RFC (Wanyore) and Prinsloo Director of Rugby Edward Moseti notes a few adjustments have been made on this leg as their traditional entertainment partner Tursker have doubled their efforts and will be providing two days of entertainment at the village.

" There will be a different look and feel of how the pitch will be this year

Nakuru RFC (Wanyore) and Prinsloo Director of Rugby Edward Moseti during the pool's launch of the first leg of the Sevens Circuit at the Nakuru Athletics club

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

Nakuru RFC also received an additional three million.

According to Robert Kirubi, board director at Smart Applications he notes they are happy to support the Nakuru based talent.

“This is a second-year partnership that we look to continue and grow with the club and help nurture talent,” Kirubi noted.

‎With increased sponsorship, enhanced prize money and an expanded competition format, the 2026 Prinsloo Sevens promises another unforgettable weekend of rugby.

‎‎Whether Strathmore Leos can successfully defend their crown, or whether Nakuru's home sides can use local support to launch their title challenge, all eyes will be on Nakuru as the road to the 2026 National Sevens Circuit officially begins.

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