The battle for the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit is already gathering momentum, with defending champions KCB Rugby carrying a narrow advantage into this weekend’s Dala 7s in Kisumu.
KCB got their title defence off to the perfect start by lifting the Prinsloo 7s trophy at Nakuru Athletic Club, earning 22 circuit points to sit at the summit of the Division One standings.
However, despite claiming the opening silverware, the bankers know the race is far from over as Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar RFC remain firmly on their heels with 19 points after finishing runners-up.
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The margin at the top may be just three points, but the statistics from the opening leg suggest the title race could be much closer than the standings indicate.
Kabras were arguably the most potent attacking side in Nakuru, finishing with a tournament-high 22 tries while making 28 visits into the opposition’s 22-metre area.
KCB matched Kabras’ 28 entries into the opposition danger zone but crossed the whitewash 21 times, finishing the weekend with 129 tournament points and, most importantly, the championship trophy.
The numbers underline the fine margins that often define sevens rugby, where clinical finishing and composure in the knockout rounds matter just as much as attacking dominance.
Behind the top two, Nondescripts RFC made an encouraging start to their campaign and occupy third place with 17 points after a strong showing in Nakuru.
Kenya Harlequin FC and the impressive Daystar Falcons are tied on 15 points each, keeping themselves within striking distance as the circuit heads to its second stop.
Hosts Nakuru RFC opened their campaign in sixth place with 12 points, while Blak Blad and MMUST RFC each collected 10 points, separated only by their finishing positions. Strathmore Leos are ninth with eight points, followed closely by Menengai Oilers on seven.
Further down the standings, Mwamba RFC, Impala RFC and Catholic Monks each earned five points, while NYS Spades begin their campaign with two points.
Newly promoted Kisumu RFC and Embu RFC are yet to make a significant impact after collecting one point each, although the home side will be hoping that playing in front of their supporters at Dala 7s inspires a much-improved performance.
Attention now shifts to Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo, where Dala 7s is expected to provide another thrilling chapter in the National Sevens Circuit.
The fast surface and typically electric Kisumu atmosphere have often produced open, high-tempo rugby, rewarding teams that can dominate possession at the breakdown, recycle quick ball and execute swift counter-attacks.
For KCB, the objective will be to protect their place at the top of the standings and continue building momentum in their title defence. Kabras Sugar, meanwhile, will be eager to convert their impressive attacking displays into tournament victory after falling just short in Nakuru.
With only one leg completed, there is still everything to play for. Every try, every conversion, every turnover at the breakdown and every point accumulated could prove decisive as the race for the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit crown intensifies.
Dala 7s promises another fierce contest where the chasing pack will look to reel in KCB, while the bankers aim to prove that their Prinsloo triumph was only the beginning of another championship-winning campaign.