Defending SportPesa National Sevens Circuit champions KCB Rugby have named an experienced 14-man squad for this weekend’s Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru.
The 17th edition of the Prinsloo 7s, which gets underway today at the Nakuru Athletic Club, marks the opening leg of the six-stop 2026 SportPesa 7s.
Having made history by winning a record fifth overall circuit title last season, the Bankers arrive in Nakuru determined to lay down an early statement in their quest to retain the championship.
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Elvis Olukusi will captain the side, while fellow international Brian Wahinya has been named vice-captain.
The squad blends experience with exciting young talent, with seasoned campaigners Vincent Onyala, George Ooro and Austin Sikutwa expected to provide leadership both on and off the pitch.
Also included in the travelling squad are Samuel Asati, Richel Wangila, Clyde Kimaya, Eugene Omondi, Emmanuel Opondo, Elvis Amusasi, Festus Shiasi, Floyd Wabwire and Nelson Mwaki.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, the Bankers have left out two crucial players they acquired in the preseason transfer window.
Kenya 7s powerhouse Nygel Amiatsa from Strathmore Leos and utility player David Nyangige have both been locked out of this outing.
Head coach Andrew Amonde will be assisted by Jacob Ojie, while Peter Kilonzo joins the technical bench as the team’s performance analyst.
KCB head into the tournament carrying the tag of one of the favourites after another outstanding campaign last season. Although they fell 26-7 to Strathmore Leos in the Prinsloo 7s final, the Bankers recovered impressively throughout the remainder of the circuit to clinch the overall National Sevens Circuit title.
The opening tournament also offers KCB an opportunity to erase memories of last year’s defeat in Nakuru and begin their title defence on a positive note.
The Bankers have been drawn in Pool C, where they will face Nondescripts RFC, CUEA Monks and ambitious newcomers NYS Spades.
Their campaign begins against Nondescripts RFC at 9:40 a.m. before taking on NYS Spades at 1:00 p.m. KCB will conclude their pool-stage fixtures with a clash against CUEA Monks at 4:40 p.m.
KCB Rugby ready for Prinsloo 7s as SportPesa 7s title defence begins
The pool presents familiar opposition for KCB. Last season, they defeated CUEA Monks 17-10 and thrashed Nondescripts 50-0, results they will hope to replicate as they chase a place in Sunday’s knockout stages.
This year’s Prinsloo 7s promises to be highly competitive, with defending champions Strathmore Leos, Kabras Sugar, Menengai Oilers, Kenya Harlequins, hosts Nakuru RFC, Impala RFC, KU Blak Blad, MMUST, Daystar Falcons, Kisumu RFC, Mwamba RFC and Embu RFC all eyeing a strong start to the season.
The tournament also ushers in a new-look National Sevens Circuit, with five of the six legs featuring Division One, Division Two and women’s competitions. SportPesa has maintained its backing of the circuit after committing KSh 34.14 million for a fourth consecutive year.
With valuable circuit points on offer from the very first whistle, KCB know that a strong showing in Nakuru could set the tone for another successful campaign.
Armed with a squad packed with international experience and proven performers, the Bankers will be aiming to begin their quest for back-to-back National Sevens Circuit titles in convincing fashion.