- Strathmore Leos defeated Mwamba RFC 21–5 to win the inaugural Ruff N Tuff 7s.
- The tournament, which featured eight teams, was hosted by Nondescript RFC on Saturday, July 12, at the Ngong Racecourse.
Strathmore Leos were crowned champions of the inaugural Ruff N Tuff 7s, becoming the first team to win the title at the tournament hosted by Nondescript RFC on Saturday, July 12, at the Ngong Racecourse.
The 2024 Prinsloo 7s winners claimed the title after a commanding 21-5 victory over Mwamba RFC in the final.
The competition, which featured eight community-based teams, served as a critical preparatory event for the upcoming 2025 National Sevens Series Circuit.
Leos struck first, making an early statement through a dazzling try by Victor Mola, which was successfully converted, giving them a 7-0 lead in a fiercely contested first half.
Elton Amalemba, who had assisted the opening score, then crossed the line himself to add five more points.
Brian Mwendwa slotted the conversion, extending the Leos’ advantage to 14-0 by halftime after capitalizing on a lapse in Mwamba’s defense.
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The second half saw Willis Ojal’s charges dominate proceedings. Just three minutes in, Mwenda sliced through Mwamba’s defensive line to score under the posts before converting his own try, taking the tally to 21–0.
Mwamba made several attempts to get back into the match and managed a consolation try, but they were unable to break through the resilient Leos defense.
Strathmore Leos secured a 21–5 victory, while Mwamba, recently relegated from the top flight Kenya Cup, settled for second place
In the third-place playoff, Kenya Harlequins added to the hosts’ misery, defeating Nondescript 24-10 to secure the bronze. Nondies concluded the tournament in fourth as teams now shift their focus to the Driftwood 7s at Mombasa Sports Club on July 26–27, hosted by Mombasa RFC.
Leos, Mwamba coaches share takeaways from Ruff N Tuff 7s tournament
Speaking after the match, Strathmore Leos head coach Willis Ojal expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting that the tournament was valuable in highlighting areas for improvement ahead of the upcoming Sevens Series.
“It’s been a tiring day but worthwhile. We have been able to test a few combinations. Now we are going to touch up on a few loose ends that we had today like in the final, we got two yellow cards, which we cannot afford to do in the Sevens Circuit.
So we are going to sort out those small issues before the circuit begins.”
Meanwhile, Mwamba head coach Lavin Asego echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude for the tournament and pride in his team’s performance.
“It has been a fruitful day. Thanks to this tournament, and thanks to Nondies for organizing it. We had the opportunity to test out our combinations against good opposition and good teams.
For Mwamba, they have punched above their weight and I’m really proud of them. We will take what we have learned from this tournament, do a bit of housekeeping, and we’ll see what comes next.”
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.
Ruff N Tuff 7s Results
Pool A
- Leos 21–19 Nakuru
- Leos 25–5 Blak Blad
- Leos 7–17 Quins
- Quins 19–7 Blak Blad
- Quins 12–12 Nakuru
- Nakuru 20–0 Blak Blad
Pool B
- Nondies 44–0 USIU
- Nondies 31–0 Mwamba
- Nondies 19–14 Impala
- Mwamba 28–10 Impala
- Mwamba 26–12 USIU
- Impala 28–12 USIU
Fifth Place Semifinals
- Nakuru RFC 28–5 USIU
- Impala 19–21 Blak Blad
Fifth Place Final
- Nakuru RFC 12–19 KU Blak Blad
Seventh Place Final
- Impala 52–0 USIU
Main Cup Semifinals
- Kenya Harlequins 14–17 Mwamba
- Nondies 17–19 Strathmore Leos
Third Place Playoff
- Quins 24–10 Nondies
Main Cup Final
- Mwamba vs Leos (Final Score: 5–21)