- Nondescripts RFC are set to launch their inaugural tournament, Ruff N Tuff 7s, scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Ngong Racecourse Grounds.
- The tournament has attracted eight community clubs as part of the 2025 National Sevens Series Circuit preparations.
- The participating teams include Impala Saracens, Nakuru RFC, Kenya Harlequins, Strathmore Leos, KU Blak Blad, USIU, Mwamba RFC, and the hosts, Nondescripts.
Nondescripts RFC are set to launch their inaugural tournament, Ruff N Tuff 7s, scheduled for Saturday, July 12 at the Ngong Racecourse Grounds.
The competition, which has attracted eight community-based teams, will serve as a preparatory event for the upcoming 2025 National Sevens Series Circuit, which kicks off with the Driftwood 7s at Mombasa Sports Club on July 26-27, hosted by Mombasa RFC.
The participating teams include Impala Saracens, Nakuru RFC, Kenya Harlequins, Strathmore Leos, KU Blak Blad, USIU, Mwamba RFC, and the hosts Nondescripts.
The one-day tournament will feature two pools of four teams each.
Defending national circuit champions, Kenya Harlequins, headline Pool A, alongside Strathmore Leos, Blak Blad, and Nakuru RFC. Pool B is spearheaded by hosts Nondies, who are grouped with Impala, Mwamba RFC, and USIU.
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Nondies Chairman explains the essence of Ruff N Tuff 7s
Nondies Club Chairman Richard Muturi highlighted the essence of the upcoming competition, emphasizing that the event is exclusively for non-corporate-sponsored teams.
He expressed hope that the tournament would help unearth new talent capable of representing the national team.
We said, if we are going to be involved in something, we must have a purpose. That’s why the eight community clubs are here none of the corporate clubs are involved.
We said we are going to start by proving a point: that we do have talent within our communities, and we do have players who can meet the standard and requirements to play nationally.
For me, success will be seeing two or three call-ups to Kenya Shujaa coming out of this tournament. That would be a game changer and that’s the reason we are doing this.”
SportPesa reaffirms commitment to sports development
Meanwhile, Willis Ojwang, Head of Public Relations at Kenya’s leading betting firm SportPesa, reiterated the company’s dedication to supporting sports growth in the country.
He expressed optimism that the Ruff N Tuff 7s could become a landmark event in the local rugby calendar.
I think this has created a very good and exciting space. Over the past two or so years, we’ve seen SportPesa re-enter the game and there’s more to come.
This could very well become one of the most celebrated and iconic rugby events in seasons to come.
For SportPesa, our focus and commitment to sports remains unmatched. Our investment in supporting both grassroots and national teams is firm.
Walking this journey with Nondies is a clear example of that commitment.”
Coaches statements ahead of the tournament
Nondies Head Coach, Ben Nyambu, expressed optimism that the tournament will serve as a valuable litmus test for his squad ahead of the circuit.
“This is an ample opportunity to test our systems and look at all facets of play from our attack, defence, set piece and basic core skill. I am confident we are in a strong position to do well,” Nyambu told the Star.
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Kenya Harlequins Head Coach, Patrice Agunda, also underscored the tournament’s importance as a pre-season calibration tool for the national circuit.
“We are using Ruff N Tuff 7s to assess our players and build momentum ahead of the circuit,” Agunda told citizen Digital.
“We will use it to regain match fitness coming back from the off season and access our players,” he added.
He stressed the team’s competitive spirit, reaffirming their desire to secure the inaugural trophy.
“As much as it is a warm up tournament, we will be all out to win it. We will play to win.”
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Following the Driftwood 7s in Mombasa, teams will proceed to the Prinsloo 7s at Nakuru Athletics Club on August 2-3, hosted by Nakuru RFC.
The third leg, Christie 7s, will take place at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on August 16-17.
The final two events of the series are slated for September: Kabeberi 7s on September 6-7 in Nairobi, hosted by Mwamba RFC, and Dala 7s on September 13-14 in Kisumu City, hosted by Kisumu RFC.
2025 Ruff N Tuff 7s Pools
Pool A: Kenya Harlequins, Strathmore Leos, Nakuru RFC, KU Blak Blad
Pool B: USIU, Impala Saracens, Nondescripts RFC, Mwamba RFC