The final whistle may have crowned KCB RFC as the men’s Div 1 champions and Mwamba RFC as the women’s winners, but anyone who made their way to Nakuru Athletic Club over the weekend, knows the 2026 Prinsloo 7s was about much more than silverware.
Held on July 25 and 26, the opening leg of this year’s SportPesa National Sevens Circuit once again showcased why rugby sevens in Kenya is as much a cultural event as it is a sporting competition.
From the colourful fashion in the stands to the electric entertainment that carried on after the matches, Nakuru was the place to be.
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Prinsloo 7s lives up to the Nakuru hype and then some
Long before the first kick-off each morning, supporters were already streaming through the gates in numbers.
Club jerseys dominated the venue, with fans proudly representing KCB, Nakuru RFC, Menengai Oilers, Kenya Harlequin, Mwamba, Kabras Sugar, Strathmore Leos and several other clubs from across the country.
It was impossible to walk around the grounds without spotting someone wearing their team’s colours with pride.
Adding even more flavour to the occasion were the now-famous bucket hats that have become a staple of Kenya’s sevens culture.
Almost every section of the crowd had fans rocking different designs, while oversized sombrero hats turned heads wherever they appeared.
Some supporters matched them perfectly with their jerseys, while others chose bold colours that stood out from a distance.
Not to be outdone, the circuit’s lead sponsors, SportPesa, were firmly in the mix, unveiling the new season’s kits – a collection that struck the perfect balance between understated elegance and bold flair.
Every try, turnover and line break was met with loud cheers, whistles and chants from the terraces.
Whether it was a spectacular break from KCB on their way to the men’s title or Mwamba Ladies producing another clinical display to claim the women’s crown, the crowd never stopped creating an atmosphere worthy of a championship weekend
One of the most refreshing sights was seeing supporters from rival clubs sharing moments together. It was common to find fans in different jerseys taking photos, exchanging friendly banter and celebrating great rugby regardless of which team was on the receiving end.
That sense of community has always been one of the biggest strengths of the National Sevens Circuit, and Prinsloo 7s once again lived up to that reputation.
When the rugby action came to an end each day, the entertainment was only getting started.
Unlike many sporting events where fans head home immediately after the final whistle, Nakuru Athletic Club transformed into one big party. The venue hosted lively after-parties on both Saturday and Sunday, keeping supporters on their feet long into the evening.
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The entertainment lineup did not disappoint. DJ Benitez, DJ JR, DJ Cross, DJ Most Wanted, MC Emmah, DJ Mr T and DJ Silky all took turns behind the decks, serving up a mix that kept the energy levels high throughout the weekend.
The performances blended seamlessly with the celebratory mood around the grounds as rugby lovers danced, sang along and soaked in every moment.
Adding another spark to the festivities was the beautiful and talented DJ Lisney, whose sets provided the perfect soundtrack to cap off two memorable days at Nakuru Athletic Club.
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As darkness fell, the music grew louder, the dance circles became bigger and the rugby fraternity once again showed why the sevens circuit is unlike any other sporting competition in Kenya
As the National Sevens Circuit heads to Kisumu for its next leg – The Dala7s, KCB Rugby and Mwamba RFC will carry the momentum of their title-winning performances.
Yet for many supporters who travelled to Nakuru, the memories that will linger are just as likely to be the songs from the terraces, the sea of colourful hats, the friendships made over the weekend and the unforgettable party atmosphere that made the 2026 Prinsloo 7s another resounding success.