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Nakuru rugby fans share coping mechanisms employed when NAC and the refinery go quiet

Nakuru RFC player Cyprian Ombaso makes a try in their game against Kabras during the fifth place semi finals at the Prinsloo 7s held at Nakuru Athletic Club on August 3,2025.

Photo credit: FILE

By  PURITY KINUTHIA

Correspondent

Mtaa Wangu

When the rugby season in Nakuru takes a break, the passion doesn’t stop it simply relocates. For Nakuru’s diehard rugby fans, Nairobi becomes the next best thing.

Since the pause in the national sevens series, Nakuru fans have been hitting the road to catch the action in the capital.

First, it was the Safari 7s, held from October 10–12 at Nyayo Stadium, where the energy was electric and the Nakuru contingent loud and proud.

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Among them was Edward Moseti, a familiar face at the Nakuru Athletic Club, who wouldn’t miss the event for anything.
“You’ve got to support your home boyz. That’s the spirit,” he says proudly, noting that Nakuru had some of their own stars representing both Shujaa and Morans.

Another fan, Justus Kibet alias Justo says, as the Floodlit Tournament heats up in Nairobi, the Nakuru crew is back on the move.

The tournament has reached its peak, with the quarterfinals just concluded this past weekend, and excitement building for the semis and finals.

“Expect us to make the trip November 1,2025 for the semifinals and on the 8th for the finals pale Impala Club and RFUEA Grounds. Floodies ni tradition. You can’t miss it,” says Kibet.

But when there’s no local or national match to catch, Nakuru’s rugby faithful still find a way to keep the thrill alive. International games become their second go-to option, the rugby version of EPL weekends for football lovers.

Moseti, who’s a Springboks fan, says they often organize watch parties for international matches just to keep the rugby vibe going. 

“We meet up, catch the games, cheer, and just enjoy the rugby spirit. But of course, there are days when no match is on, so you just chill and maybe pick another sport to check out,” he says.

Now, with the 15s season just around the corner, anticipation is high back at home. The Nakuru Athletic Club (NAC) and Refinery Grounds are gearing up to welcome fans once again for the return of Wanyore RFC and Menengai Oilers matches.

For Nakuru’s rugby fans, this isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle, a weekend rhythm that never really stops.

Yani kila weekend uko either NAC, Refinery Grounds ama your favorite chill spot watching rugby.