The opening leg of the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit delivered everything rugby enthusiasts could have hoped for. Packed stands, fierce rivalries, stunning upsets, emotional comeback stories and high-quality sevens rugby combined to make the Prinsloo 7s at Nakuru Athletic Club a memorable spectacle.
As attention shifts to the second leg, the Dala 7s at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu, several storylines from Nakuru have already begun shaping the conversation for the remainder of the circuit.
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KCB Rugby fire the opening shot
Champions always find a way, and KCB Rugby once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most consistent sides on the National Sevens Circuit.
The Bankers opened their title defence in emphatic fashion, navigating an unbeaten campaign before overcoming rivals Kabras Sugar 19-12 in an entertaining Main Cup final.
After conceding an early try, KCB stayed composed, controlled possession, dominated the breakdown and punished every turnover to wrestle control of the contest.
Winning the opening leg is more than just lifting the trophy. It hands KCB early momentum and places every other title contender on notice as the circuit heads to Kisumu.
READ MORE:Kabras youngster Rayvon Ambale thrilled to return from injury, eyes Prinsloo 7s glory
Rayvon Ambale announces his return
Few stories resonated more than Rayvon Ambale’s return to competitive rugby.
After spending close to six months on the sidelines through injury, the Kabras Sugar youngster returned looking as though he had never been away.
The speedster crossed for four tries during the pool stages, displaying blistering acceleration, intelligent support lines and the finishing instincts that have made him one of Kenyan rugby’s brightest young prospects.
Although Kabras eventually fell short in the final, Ambale’s performances were among the biggest positives for the Kenya Cup champions. If he maintains the same form, he could become one of the standout players on this year’s circuit.
Kiambaa Ladies become the surprise package
Every tournament produces a team that exceeds expectations, and this year that honour belonged to Kiambaa Ladies.
Made up largely of talented high school players, the youthful side stunned Kenya Harlequin 21-17 on their way to the Main Cup final before eventually falling to the experienced Mwamba Ladies.
Their fearless attacking rugby, relentless defensive effort and composure under pressure showed that age is no barrier when talent and belief come together. Their remarkable run announced them as a side capable of challenging the traditional powerhouses throughout the season.
ALSO READ:Mwamba Ladies crowned Prinsloo 7s champions after brushing past a resilient Kiambaa
Mwamba Ladies remain the team to beat
While Kiambaa won many admirers, the women’s title once again belonged to Mwamba Ladies.
The experienced side produced another clinical display to claim a 19-0 victory in the final, underlining why they remain the benchmark in Kenyan women’s sevens.
Their ability to retain possession, dominate contact situations and stretch defences with quick ball movement ensured they controlled matches from start to finish winning all their matches.
Every team chasing circuit honours now has a clear standard to measure themselves against.
Nakuru derby delivers the biggest local celebration
For the hosts, there was no sweeter feeling than defeating neighbours Menengai Oilers during the pool stages.
Derbies are built on pride as much as points, and Nakuru RFC rose to the occasion in front of their home supporters. Every dominant tackle, every turnover at the breakdown and every successful defensive set was cheered loudly by a partisan crowd eager to see their side earn local bragging rights.
Although Nakuru’s campaign later ended in the Main Cup quarter-finals against eventual champions KCB, the derby victory remains one of the defining moments of their weekend.
University rugby continues to grow
MMUST once again proved that university rugby is no longer making up the Having manoeuvred through the pool’s unscathed.
The varsity side matched established clubs physically, showed confidence with ball in hand and demonstrated impressive organisation throughout the tournament. Their performances reflected the growing quality within university rugby and reinforced its importance as a pathway for developing future Kenya Sevens internationals.
With every passing season, the gap between varsity rugby and traditional club rugby continues to narrow.
The fans once again stole the show
The rugby was outstanding, but the atmosphere surrounding the tournament was equally memorable.
Rugby enthusiasts arrived at Nakuru Athletic Club dressed in colourful club jerseys, bucket hats and sombreros, creating a carnival atmosphere from the opening whistle to the final match.
Chants echoed around the venue after every try, while SportPesa’s fan activations and official after-parties ensured the celebrations continued long after the rugby had ended.
The vibrant crowd once again demonstrated why the National Sevens Circuit remains one of the country’s best-supported sporting competitions.
ALSO READ: 2026 Prinsloo 7s lives up to the Nakuru hype and then some
New stars continue to emerge
One of the greatest strengths of the sevens circuit is its ability to produce future stars and Prinsloo 7s was no different.
Several young players particularly the young Kiambaa Girls embraced the occasion with fearless performances, announcing themselves against seasoned internationals.
Whether through bone-crunching tackles, clean line breaks or clinical finishes in the corner, the next generation showed they are ready to compete on the biggest domestic stage.
The tournament once again highlighted the healthy talent pipeline within Kenyan rugby.
All roads now lead to Dala 7s
With the curtain now falling on Prinsloo 7s, focus immediately turns to Dala 7s at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo, Kisumu.
KCB Rugby travel west as early pace setters after claiming maximum points from the opening leg, while Kabras Sugar will be eager to turn another impressive campaign into silverware.
Mwamba Ladies will seek to extend their dominance, and Kiambaa Ladies will be keen to prove their run to the final was only the beginning.
If Nakuru was anything to go by, the battle for the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit promises to be fiercely contested.
The opening weekend produced everything that makes sevens rugby special explosive attacking play, crunching defence, fierce rivalries, passionate supporters and unforgettable moments and the stage is now perfectly set for another thrilling chapter in Kisumu on 1st and 2nd August at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium,Mamboleo.