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Rugby fans eager for new season as circuit calendar drops!

Strathmore Leos player makes a ball carry during their match against Menengai Oilers during the 2024 Prinsloo Sevens circuit held in Nakuru Athletics Club in September 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

When rugby hits town, everything changes.

Hotels fill up, clubs spill over, streets buzz with energy, and suddenly, your sleepy town turns into the ultimate party zone.

Kenya’s vibrant Sevens rugby scene is gearing up for a high-energy new season, and with just about a month to go, fans across the country are already preparing to hit the road.

The 2025 National Sevens Circuit calendar is packed with both fan-favourite stops and exciting new additions.

One of the biggest highlights of this season is the official inclusion of Embu 7s, which has secured a two-year hosting slot on the circuit.

Previously a popular stand-alone tournament, Embu 7s now steps onto the national stage replacing Kakamega's Ingo 7s, a major win not just for the County but for rugby fans craving fresh venues and new energy on the tour.

With fixtures spanning Kenya’s major cities from the lakeside charm of Kisumu to the capital’s rugby strongholds Nairobi and Nakuru’s own Suguta valley (NAC) , the circuit offers more than just sporting action. It’s a full-on experience, blending elite competition with the best of Kenya’s travel and cultural destinations.

This fusion of sport and travel has inspired a new wave of fan engagement, with companies like Tembo Ventures leading the charge.

The travel brand has already launched a Driftwood 7s package targeting fans from Nakuru and Nairobi, offering curated transport, accommodation, and event access.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Asienga Amunga, Tembo Ventures founder emphasized the growing appetite for immersive sports tourism.

“Rugby is not just a game, it’s a lifestyle. The Sevens Circuit presents a perfect chance to explore Kenya, meet new people, support your teams, and enjoy unforgettable travel experiences,” he says.

According to Amunga, fans, especially young professionals and rugby die-hard fans are increasingly seeking more than the traditional matchday outings. He adds that they plan to release the costing to all the six rugby destinations so that fans can plan ahead to the destinations they want to visit.

“Imagine hitting all the six legs with your buddies and not having to worry about the logistics but focusing on having a good time. That is what we are envisioning for rugby fans who want to attend this year’s games. People want a community, the nightlife, the beach, and cultural heritage. That’s what we offer,” he notes, adding that fans deserve more than the day's playtime when they take a rugby trip.

He notes that for Nakuru fans, there's even more reason to hit the road.

 Reflecting on the strong performance of Menengai Oilers, who finished fourth, and Nakuru RFC, who placed 11th in the 2024 season, local supporters are fired up to follow their teams’ progress this year, from home turf at Prinsloo 7s to every last whistle of the circuit.

The season is set to kick off on the weekend of July 26th–27th in Mombasa, with the ever-popular Driftwood 7s opening the calendar.

2025/26 National Sevens Circuit Calendar:

  • Driftwood 7s – Mombasa: 26–27 July
  • Prinsloo 7s – Nakuru: 2–3 August
  • Christie 7s – Nairobi: 16–17 August
  • Embu 7s – Embu: 23–24 August
  • Kabeberi 7s – Nairobi: 6–7 September
  • Dala 7s – Kisumu: 13–14 September