Over the last two years, rugby faithful and unfaithful alike have been treated to a festival of rugby unlike any other.
In those two years, Masaku 7s has managed to curve out a niche for itself, and become one of the ‘must attends’ for many. It might not offer the best in terms of play on the pitch, but it is the ability to make up for this with great fun off it that makes it such a favourite for many.
This year’s edition will be held at the weekend from the 27th to the 29th of June, a shift from the late July dates we have seen over the last two years, that only one of the many changes the third edition will feature.
First, the tourney will be held at the Kenyatta Stadium, shifting from the Machakos Golf club. This a definite step up seeing as space was quickly running out at the golf club. This edition will also see a tier two competition that will be played on Friday and Saturday, with a Schools competition kicking off on Thursday.
This early date has seen the tournament attract several top flight local clubs most notably, the defending sevens series champions KCB, who are set make their debut appearance in the tournament. Defending Masaku sevens champions Quins will be making their third appearance as will Homeboyz RFC, Nakuru RFC and hosts Kilunda.
The tournament has clearly become more attractive to the sides this year as it comes a bit earlier. This means that the technical benches can experiment with a wider pool of players and will not worry as much about injuries.
The local clubs will be joined by several international sides, the pick of the lot being Tabadamu from Fiji. The Pirates of Uganda make a return after making their debut last year, they are accompanied by Kyadondo and the Uganda under 19 side.
The Inaugural Kitui 7s winners FARU, lead the line of ‘mercenaries’ alongside Jombi who also participated in Kitui. Oslo RC will be making their first bow in Machakos.
Here are the division 1 Pools :
Pool A: Kenya Harlequins, FARU, OSLO RC and Kilunda
POOL B: Mwamba, Kenya -19, Uganda -19 and Pirates
POOL C: Homeboyz, Jombi, Tabadamu Fiji and Kabras
POOL D: KCB, Kyadondo, Stormers and Nakuru RFC
Two time Masaku champions Kenya Harlequins will be looking to make it three in a row, the quartered shirts headline a tricky looking Pool A, where they are joined by Faru RC, Oslo RC and the hosts Kilunda RFC.
It could get tricky for the two time defending champs with FARU and OSLO out to give them a run for their money.
Last year’s losing semi finalists Mwamba RFC headline Pool B and are joined by the Kenya and Uganda under 19 sides together with the Pirates. The Kenya U-19 side will be using this tournament as preparation for the Youth Olympics in August. The side which won silver in the Africa youth games in May will not be a push over.
Pirates were Shield winners last year and know what to expect from this tournament, as they look for a better finishing this time round.
Last year’s losing finalists Homeboyz, headline Pool C, where they are joined by Jombi RFC which draws it’s players from Strathmore old and current boys. Most eyes will be on Tabadamu of Fiji, who are expected to light up the tournament over the two days.
The Tabadamu side will feature several faces that have featured in the international HSBC sevens circuit, past and present the likes of Joeli Lutumailagi, Jone Vota, Sitiveni Waqa, Vatemo Ravouvou and Donasio Ratabuli. Kabras Sugar RFC will be making their debut appearance in the tournament.
Pool D sees defending sevens series champions, KCB face off against Kyadondo of Uganda who are also on debut, Stormers RFC who picked up the Bowl last year and Nakuru RFC, Plate winners last year.
KCB and Nakuru renew their love affair in this pool, the two having been the stannd out sides in the just concluded season.
It promises to be another two days of exciting action, this time on the pitch as much as off it.
KWISHA…Nimeruka Nje!!!