safari sevens postponed

Trending news

Latest news.

• Follow us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram

Safari 7s set to make comeback after one-year hiatus

3rd October 2023 - by Stephen Ochieng

The event was last held in October 2021.

• The 2023 edition will take place from 17-19 November.
• The three-day competition will be held at the RFUEA Grounds.
• Shujaa beat Germany 12-5 in the last edition to claim the title on home soil.
• The 2022 edition was cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has announced the return of the Safari Sevens tournament that will return from 17-19 November 2023 after a one-year hiatus.

In an official communique released on Tuesday morning, the country’s rugby governing body announced the return of the three-day competition that will be held at the RFUEA Grounds.

“We are thrilled to announce the return of Africa’s premier rugby tournament, The SAFARI SEVENS set to take place at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) grounds along Ngong Road, Nairobi from 17-19 November.

The tournament comes on the back of the Kenya national sevens team qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics as well as a newly elected KRU board. These recent developments set the stage for the three days of non-stop action and excitement that will keep rugby fans on the edge of their seats,” the statement read.

Click here to place your bet on the Lens vs Arsenal Champions League clash

The Safari 7s was last held in 2021 with the men’s national rugby 7s team, Shujaa, claiming the title on home soil when they defeated Germany 12-5 in an epic final.  The 2022 edition was cancelled due to unavoidable circumstances.

Speaking on this year’s tourney, KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai expressed his delight in having the tournament back which will be held for the first time under his reign.

“We are proud to be back! The tournament will bring together top African teams, along with international powerhouses, for an unforgettable showdown that will make rugby history.

We have tapped key strategic partners that will re-establish the tournament back to its glory days while helping us achieve our commitment to developing world class rugby in Kenya,” he said.

Click here to place your bet on the Manchester United vs Galatasary UCL clash

To help in organizing the event, KRU will collaborate with AFRICACENTRIC ENTERTAINMENT, a creative agency that has helped in organizing other sporting events in Kenya such as the WRC Safari Rally, Nairobi City Marathon and the World Athletics Kip Keino Classic.

Marek Fuchs, the ACE Managing Director noted, ‘’We are excited to be back in the mix! We are committed to delivering a top-class experience that will dazzle spectators with its unique blend of thrilling gameplay, elevated FAN experience, and world-class athleticism,” he said.

About Safari 7s

The Safari Sevens is an annual rugby sevens tournament held in Nairobi, Kenya. It is open to international representative sides, professional and amateur clubs, invitational teams, university and school teams.

JavaScript is disabled! Please enable JavaScript in your web browser!

• Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
• The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
• P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
• Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
• Email: [email protected]
• Nutrition & Wellness
• Real Estate
• Health & Science
• Moi Cabinets
• Arts & Culture
• Planet Action
• Fashion & Beauty
• Relationships
• Readers lounge
• Leisure And Travel
• KTN farmers tv
• Smart harvest
• Farmers market
• Agri-Directory
• Mkulima expo 2021
• Arts & culture
• Volleyball and handball
• Gossip & rumours
• Premier league
• Entertainment
• The Nairobian
• Nairobian Shop
• KTN Farmers Tv
• radio maisha
• digger classifieds
• Cars/motors

Kenya Rugby Union suspends the 25th Safari Sevens

Keep Reading

Popular this week

Related Topics

Similar Articles

Latest Stories

Recommended Articles

Your experience on this site will be improved by allowing cookies.

GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and special offers!

CONNECT WITH US

FOR THE LATEST JOB ADVERT

Kenya: Full Shangwe Paused - Kenya Rugby Union Postpones Safari Sevens

Nairobi — The Kenya Rugby Union has announced the indefinite postponement of this year's Safari Sevens tournament which had been scheduled for next weekend.

The Union made the announcement on Wednesday night saying the decision had been made due to unavoidable circumstances, and invited teams have already been informed.

"The decision to postpone the event has been occasioned by unavoidable circumstances. We take this opportunity to thank our loyal fans and partners for your continued support. A new tournament date will be announced in a future communication," a statement from the Union said.

The tournament was launched a fortnight ago and KRU had already confirmed that 12 men and six women teams would be gracing the tourney.

It was set to return to its original home, the RFUEA Grounds, after being staged at the Nyayo National Stadium last year following a two year hiatus from the COVID-19 pandemic.

New KRU CEO Aggrey Wabulwenyi had said they were planning to have a wholesome and spruced up event, with an enviable list of A-star entertainment performers to add spice to the competition, and attract a bigger number of fans.

The national team would have fielded two sides; the Shujaas and the Morans and this would have been a perfect platform for coach Damian McGrath to weigh up his side and pick a perfect squad ahead of the new season of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Read the original article on Capital FM .

• East Africa

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals , representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica . To address comments or complaints, please Contact us .

AllAfrica is a voice of, by and about Africa - aggregating, producing and distributing 500 news and information items daily from over 100 African news organizations and our own reporters to an African and global public. We operate from Cape Town, Dakar, Abuja, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Washington DC.

• Support our work
• Sign up for our newsletter
• For Advertisers

• © 2024 AllAfrica
• Privacy Policy

Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters

Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox

By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy .

Almost finished...

We need to confirm your email address.

To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you.

There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Hi, what are you looking for?

Capital Sports

Feyenoord v Ajax postponed because of police strikes

Wolves’ move for Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale off

Bournemouth set to loan goalkeeper Kepa from Chelsea

Arsenal complete signing of midfielder Merino from Real Sociedad

Manchester United hold talks with Chelsea over Sterling deal

Ivory Coast name Fae as permanent head coach after AFCON miracle

Song and dance in Abidjan as Ivory Coast go on an AFCON Trophy parade

Haller scores winner as Ivory Coast beat Nigeria to clinch AFCON title

AFCON 2023: Grand finale awaits as Nigeria, Ivory Coast clash

Ronwen Williams main man again as Bafana clinch AFCON bronze

More Goodies as Team Kenya Paris Medallists receive Cash Rewards and Holiday Treat

‘How Kenya can win more medals at Olympics’

Marathoner Lokedi proud of nerve-racking Paris Olympic experience despite missing out on medal

Kipyegon, Chebet reap handsomely as President Ruto rewards Olympics performers

‘Well with my soul:’ Jepchirchir grateful despite losing Olympics title in Paris

‘Thank God for perfect Peru weather,’ – Kiptoo’s prayer after striking gold at World Under 20 Championships

Medal hopes alive as three Kenyans march on at World Under 20 Champs

Kenyan juniors hungry for medals as World Under 20 Championships begin in Peru

Ingebrigtsen & Duplantis break world records

Kenya’s Wanyonyi beaten by Arop in Silesia Diamond League

Still ‘a lot’ to come from captain Ramsey, says Bellamy

Why are buy-back transfer clauses on the rise in football?

Liverpool’s Nunez hit with five-game Uruguay ban

Liverpool agree £10m fee for Juventus winger Chiesa

Rockey Africa Partners with Crossover Basketball Ambassadors to Fight Crime and Social Deviance Through Basketball in Kawangware

NBA Africa, Luol Deng Foundation and Stanbic Bank Celebrate First jr. NBA/jr.WNBA Finals in South Sudan

US superstars reach Olympic basketball final after ‘special’ fightback

Factory of Dreams: Young African Basketballers Begin Journey to NBA Stardom at BWB

‘Africa a sleeping giant in basketball, awaiting to be awakened’

• Capital News
• Capital Business
• Capital Lifestyle
• Listen to Capital FM
• DJ Downloads

Full Shangwe paused: Kenya Rugby Union postpones Safari Sevens

Thousands of cyclists troop to Nairobi for Jubilee Live Free Race

English Premiership

Jim Kahumbura returns as motorsports federation boss

Kenyan Premier League

A fresh start: extreme sports ceo hussein fronts self as saviour of kenyan football in bid for fkf presidency.

Former champion Raducanu out in US Open first round

Moraa resumes winning ways with triumph at Lausanne Diamond League

World Record in Sight? Wanyonyi storms to second fastest time in men’s 800m at Lausanne Diamond League

‘Captain Fantastic’ Khagoitsa stars as Kenya Thrash Lesotho in Under-19 T20 World Cup Qualifier

Tore Bobe smile to the bank with Ksh 75million sponsorship from Sportpesa

Battle Royale as Kenyans Come Calling at Buenos Aires Half Marathon

Kenya Police FC sip Ethiopia’s Coffee to advance into Confederation Cup next round

Mwamba chair urges fan patience and perseverance amid painful period

K’Ogalo nyam nyam! – Gor thrash Merrikh to make CAF CL second round

More on capital sports.

DStv, GOtv subscribers in for a treat as UEFA Champions League returns

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 27 – DStv and GOtv subscribers are in for a treat of the world’s best football this week as the 2020-21...

IN PICTURES: The new look Nyayo National Stadium, 95pc complete

NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25 – There is light at the end of the tunnel. After failed promises over the last three years since its...

Vihiga Queens sail to CAF Champions League qualifiers final

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 6 – Gentrix Shikangwa scored with two minutes left as Vihiga Queens sailed to the final of the CECAFA regional qualifiers...

Miserable state of former NFL player Kenya’s Daniel Adongo

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 13 – Kenya’s history making Daniel Adongo, the first Kenyan to play in America’s National Football League (NFL), is now living...

Privacy Overview

We know you LOVE our rugby content. Please give us an eighthman pick to help us continue creating great content.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Kawowo Sports

East Africa's hub for Sports content

Safari Sevens 2022 postponed, Kenya Rugby Union confirm

Enjoy with others:

• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

With just nine days to the original start date, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has postponed the Safari Sevens 2022 event.

According to the official statement published on the evening of Wednesday, October 5, the postponement is due to “unavoidable circumstances.”

“The Kenya Rugby Union has today confirmed the postponement of the 25th edition of the Safari Sevens originally set for 14th -16th October 2022 at the RFUEA Ground. The decision to postpone the event has been occasioned by unavoidable circumstances.” reads the statement published on the Kenya Rugby Union website.

Across the border in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, preparations were already in high gear to send an academy side to represent the country. Twenty-one players had been summoned by coach Allan Otim and training sessions held at Kyadondo Rugby Club.

Train. Perform. Learn. Repeat. #UgandaSevensAcademy #TotalEnergiesUgRugby7s pic.twitter.com/4rFkyAk0xP — Uganda Rugby Union (@UgandaRugby) October 5, 2022

Uganda was set to compete during the twenty-fifth edition of the event alongside eleven other men’s teams and six women’s teams.

KRU added that a new date for the event will be announced in future communication. This date is likely to land within a busy local and international rugby schedule in the final quarter of the year.

To start with, in the XVs format, the Kenya Lionesses have a tour to Uganda for the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Pool B from October 25 – November 2. The Kenya Simbas will play the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Repechage from November 6-18. For the Sevens, the Kenya Shujaa will kick off their 2022-23 World Series season on November 4-6 in Hong Kong.

Ernest Akorebirungi

Ernest Akorebirungi joined Kawowo Sports in July 2019 after one year as a student volunteer at the Makerere University Games Union. He covers rugby for Kawowo Sports; a role in which he offers unique... More by Ernest Akorebirungi

Leave a comment

Please let us know what you think cancel reply.

Scrummage Africa

2022 safari 7s tournament postponed.

Kenya Rugby Union has announced the postponement of the 25th edition of the the Safari 7s tournament which was slated for RFUEA grounds .

The tournament was to take place between 14-16 October with KRU announcing that 12 teams were expected to grace the event.

However, in a statement released on Wednesday evening, the Union said that the tournament is postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

“The Kenya Rugby Union has today confirmed the postponement of the 25th edition of the Safari Sevens originally set for 14th -16th October 2022 at the RFUEA Ground,” reads a statement.

“The decision to postpone the event has been occasioned by unavoidable circumstances,” the statement.

“We take this opportunity to thank our loyal fans and partners for your continued support. A new tournament date will be announced in a future communication,” the statement concludes.

Editor’s pick:

• Follow the Scrummage Africa on Facebook
• Kenya 7s out of Rugby World Cup Sevens contention
• Koyonzo win National 7s Title
• Menengai Oilers centre dies
• Butula High School playmaker wins MVP

In the 2021 Edition, Kenya 7s commonly known as Shujaa beat Germany 12-5 in the final played at Nyayo Stadium to reclaim the title that had been won by Morans in 2019.

Alvin Otieno scored under the posts, with Levy Amunga converting the try for a 7-0 lead in favour of Shujaa. Germany responded through Jack Hunt, who scored at the left corner for a 7-5 scoreline.

Shujaa would win the clash after Johnstone Olindi crossed over for the winning try.

Kenya Morans claimed bronze after they defeated Red Wailers 12-5. Kenya Lionesses won the Women’s Category.

Uganda (men and women), Zimbabwe (men and women), Spain, Germany, SA All Stars 7s Academy, Nigeria Stallions alongside touring sides (multiple champions) Samurai, Red Wailers and SA Titans were part of the 2022 competition.

Recommended for you

Most Popular

Pau recalls trio to Kenya Harlequin squad for Kabeberi 7s

Ayange makes two changes in Kabras RFC squad for Kabeberi 7s

2024 National 7s Circuit standings after Kabeberi 7s

FEASSSA 15s: Butula, All Saints register 100% record in group stages

Former Menengai Oilers skipper Anduvate finds new home in America

Kenyan International Bethuel Anami leaves Stade Caennaise RC

KCB Rugby confirm Mike Shamiah’s departure

Kabeberi 7s fixtures and order of play

Shujaa skipper Tony Omondi named in Mwamba’s Kabeberi 7s squad

FEASSSA Rugby 7s order of play

Safari 7s Returns to The RFUEA in October

The Safari 7s is confirmed to make a comeback to the RFUEA Ground after a two-year hiatus that saw the 2020 event not being held due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the 2021 edition taking place at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has confirmed the 25th edition of the tournament will be held at its original venue on Ngong Road from October 14 to 16.

Speaking during the tournament’s official media launch at the PrideInn Azure Hotel in Nairobi on Thursday 22 September 2022, KRU Chairman Oduor Gangla said, “ Anyone who’s been to a rugby match in Kenya knows that there is no place like the RFUEA.”

“We wanted to go back to that environment, make it fun, make it enjoyable and competitive. We have 12 men and 6 women teams as well as the age grade and vets (0ver 35) categories. It will be a great weekend of rugby.”

KRU Vice Chairman Moses Ndale, who doubles up as the Safari Sevens Organizing Committee Chairman added, “We want to request the fans to show up in numbers for a great weekend of rugby. We will be revealing the participating teams and ticketing details in subsequent communications.”

The Safari 7s was played every year at the RFUEA Ground since its inception in 1996 until 2010 before moving to the Nyayo National Stadium for the 2011 and 2012 editions.

It would shift to the Moi International Sports Center between 2013 and 2016 and move back to the RFUEA Ground for the 2018 and 2019 editions after not being played in 2017.

First published by  NaiHaps

Khusoko provides market insights into Africa's business investment as well as global trends that impact East African businesses.

Related Posts

Hmd unveils 3-year partnership with fc barcelona, kenya dominates africa at 2024 paris olympics, wrc safari rally returns to 2025 calendar.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

• Sat. Aug 24th, 2024

2024 Safari 7s dates, KRU 7s venue confirmed

The Kenya Rugby Union has confirmed the dates for the 2024 Safari 7s.

This year’s tournament will run from 11-13 October in Nairobi. The Safari 7s was first held in 1996 and has since grown in popularity, attracting top rugby talent and large crowds of enthusiastic fans. Over the years, it has become more than just a sporting event, encompassing a vibrant festival atmosphere with music, food, and cultural celebrations.

Meanwhile, the KRU 7, which serves as the second round of the 2024 Sportpesa National 7s Circuit will be hosted by Kabras Sugar at the Kakamega Showground on 3-4 August.

The tournament unfolds through a series of six events, scattered across six cities and towns in Kenya.

Teams engage in competition, each vying for the Sportpesa National Sevens Circuit overall title.

Points are accrued based on their finishing positions in these tournaments, ultimately determining the season’s circuit champion.

𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐏𝐞𝐬𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

Christie 7s | 27/28 July |Nairobi KRU 7s  3/4 August | Kakamega

Dala 7s | 17/18 August | Kisumu Kabeberi 7s |24/25 August | TBC

Driftwood 7s | 7/8 September | Mombasa Prinsloo 7s | 14/15 September | Nakuru

Related Post

Strathmore leos storm into the kabeberi7s cup quarters, nakuru vs impala to kick off kabeberi sevens, 2024 kabeberi sevens pools confirmed.

• SI SWIMSUIT
• SI SPORTSBOOK
• World Rugby

Manenti Joins San Diego Legion After Australian Sevens Success

Judy rotich | 21 hours ago.

By Priscilla Jepchumba

Renowned rugby sevens coach John Manenti is departing from Australia after agreeing to become the coach of the San Diego Legion in Major League Rugby. Manenti will begin his new role as head coach with the MLR team on September 1.

Manenti's accomplishments in the Australian sevens program are unmatched, historic, and deserving of admiration as the seven-a-side format of rugby continues to expand. The 53-year-old achieved success with both the women's and men's teams during his nearly decade-long involvement.

Under Manenti's leadership, the women's team qualified for the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021. There was a genuine belief that the team would secure a gold medal, but they were unexpectedly eliminated from medal contention after a surprising quarter-final loss to Fiji.

Following that, Manenti took charge of the men's team. What ensued over the next few years was remarkable, with the Australian team experiencing a period of success that positively transformed the men's program.

In 2021/22, Australia secured the overall World Rugby Sevens title for the first time in the history of the men's program. They followed this by triumphing in the Cup Final at the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens the following season.

Manenti's final tournament with the Australian sevens was one that the nation can take pride in. While some may not have considered the Australian team to be genuine contenders for a medal, they ended up winning their first four matches at Stade de France.

However, after a significant loss to Fiji in the semi-finals, and a heartbreaking defeat to South Africa in the bronze medal match, Australia finished in fourth place. It wasn't the desired outcome, but Manenti's accomplishments in the sevens program are undeniably legendary.

“I’ve had nine wonderful years in the sevens program with both men’s and women’s teams,” stated Manenti.

“What we’ve achieved together in the past three years has been incredible and I feel we’ve been part of the most successful era in Aussie men’s sevens.

“We’ve won a World Series, gold medals in Hong Kong and London, finished on multiple podiums, achieved automatic Olympic qualification, and enjoyed best-ever Olympic results.

“I’m extremely proud of the players and staff for our achievements. For me, it’s time now to return to the 15s and continue my growth as a coach, with the ambition to contribute to Super Rugby at some stage.

“The sevens program is well set up to go on to bigger and better results and I look forward to following the progression.

“I’d like to thank Rugby Australia for the privilege of coaching the men’s and women’s national teams,” he concluded.

Manenti is all set to lead the successful MLR team, San Diego Legion, which is looking to recover from being ousted from the playoffs by the Seattle Seawolves with a 30-28 loss in July.

Despite the presence of seasoned players like two-time Rugby World Cup-winning All Black Ma’a Nonu and former Wallaby Matt Giteau, the Legion fell short of securing the MLR shield.

Nevertheless, with Manenti now in charge, the Legion is making a strong statement. The team owner, Ryan Patterson, spoke highly of Manenti. “Throughout the head coach recruitment process, John consistently stood out from an exceptionally talented field of candidates,” said Patterson.

Scott Lawrence has revealed an expansion of his player pool and provided some indications of his preferred combination as he announced the USA roster for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup.

“His strategic vision for rugby, coupled with his demonstrated ability to elevate teams and foster winning cultures, left us deeply impressed. We are thrilled to welcome a coach of his caliber to San Diego Legion, confident in his expertise and dedication to lead our team to new successes.”

“John’s appointment is a clear reflection of our commitment to excellence,” added the CEO of San Diego Legion, David Haigh.

“His extensive experience and impressive track record of nurturing players and achieving success on the international stage will be invaluable as we aim to fortify our presence in Major League Rugby and beyond.”

“We are confident that John will lead the San Diego Legion to new heights.”

JUDY ROTICH

Kenya’s springboard to the game’s international elite

• Post author By john.kagagi
• Post date June 20, 2021
• Sticky post

Original article published in the Daily Nation , Friday, September 20, 2013 .

It isn’t very clear where the Safari Sevens idea was first mooted. Some sources say the idea was first voiced at a nightclub at the International Casino complex, on Nairobi’s Museum Hill.

Other sources say the idea was conceptualised at the pink walled Muthaiga Club, across the road from Muthaiga Golf Club. The two meetings might even have occurred on the same day, but that isn’t very clear. Something that is crystal though is that Robin Cahill led the conversation.

Cahill, in his senior years,  often dressed in the unspoken settler uniform consisting tan pants and a work shirt, was a founder of the ‘new’ Rugby Patrons Society. It was the original  Patron’s Society that provided financial support for the building of the RFUEA Grounds back in 1954-55.  Reorganised again in 1988, it had quietly continued to provide support for Kenyan rugby.

“Cahill drove the point home,” recalls Dennis Awori, a former chairman of the Kenya Rugby Football Union. “He said we needed a tournament, organised separately from the KRFU, a high profile meeting that Kenya would win even with the invitation of strong sides. 

“He came up with the idea of the sevens, and the tag, Safari Sevens. We followed that up, and two years later, in 1996, we had the first Safari Sevens tournament.”

It could have been that Cahill was selling the international sevens idea to separate rugby influencers: to members of the KRFU board at one forum, and the members of the Patrons Society, a quiet group of Kenyan Rugby supporters, at another. 

An instant success

Cahill’s sales pitch worked. The Safari Sevens could not have come at a better time. Driven to reality by Robin Cahill, The Patrons Society and the KRFU, the tournament was an instant success. The RFUEA Grounds experienced capacity crowds which were treated to an exciting, international-grade sevens.

When the Safari Sevens gauntlet was thrown down, the real challenge was to the Kenya Sevens team. The response was quicker than expected. In the first year, Kenya only managed to win the inaugural plate competition in 1996, beating Uganda 38-12, while Public School Wanderers, frequent visitors to the Safari sevens for many years, won the main cup.

Initially, it was thought that it would take a few years for the national team to meet the Safari Sevens ‘standard’. But barely a year later, a psyched-up Kenya led by Sammy Khakame, backed by a fanatical crowd, tore the form book to shreds, beating Cumbria School boys 24-21 to lift the main cup trophy.

“Nobody thought that we would win in 1997, not even the administration; everyone was surprised,” said national sevens coach, Ham Onsando.

Around the time the idea of Safari Sevens was mooted, things began clicking. One week after Cahill had shared his international sevens idea, the KRFU ratified a new constitution which created posts for 10 directors and a full time Chief Executive Officer.

“The plan was to have the CEO’s office as the conduit to coordinate and plan all rugby activities,” said Ron Bukusi, the first KRFU CEO. The new office was exactly what was required to coordinate the new tournament.

Stroke of fortune

A wind of fortune, the Safari Sevens provided a springboard to the International Rugby Board’s World Sevens Series which had been launched in 1999, three years after the first Safari Sevens. 

At first, Kenya only played in the Dubai and South Africa legs of the series. Kenya would later become a core member of the series, taking part in all the IRB Sevens legs from 2004. 

“When the World Sevens series started in 1999, Kenya was already on the international map,” says Herbert Mwachiro who, for years, was the ‘voice’ of the Safari Sevens. 

In 2000, the Safari Sevens doubled up as an Africa qualifying tournament for the 2001 Sevens World Cup in Argentina. Inspired, once again, by a fanatical support base, Kenya beat Namibia 14-7 in a close semi-final to qualify for the World cup finals, along with Zimbabwe. Paul Murunga, who scored both of Kenya’s tries against Namibia, has vivid memories.

“I tried to talk to Eric Kibe, our assistant coach, after the game but my words stuck in my mouth. I was speechless. It took a while for me to understand the reality that we had qualified for the World Cup.”

It was not the first time that Kenya had tried to qualify for the Sevens World Cup. Kenya had fallen short at the inaugural 1993 qualifiers in Italy, and the 1996 qualifiers in Dubai. 

Since the 2001 qualifier, Kenya Sevens has been on a roll, and has qualified for all four World Cup finals; Argentina 2001, Hong Kong 2005, Dubai in 2009 and Moscow in June this year.

The Safari Sevens brought into current view the efforts of Watembezi Pacesetters RFC, a Kenyan touring team of rugby enthusiasts, who won the Dubai sevens in 1982 and 83, landing an invite to the 1987 Hong Kong sevens to play as Kenya for the first time.

“The Safari Sevens has been our food basket,” says Benjamin Ayimba, a former Kenya sevens player who coached Kenya to its highest point, the semi-finals of the 2009 World cup held in Dubai. To anyone who understand rugby, there couldn’t be a better platform to grow rugby than a regular international contest right at home. 

The path to the sevens national team is quite straightforward. Represent your club at the national sevens circuit, appear for a team in the Safari Sevens and get your call up to the national side. 

Mitch Ocholla was awarded his call up to the 2001 World Cup Sevens squad after a blistering performance at the Safari Sevens in 2000. “I knew I had to perform at the Safari Sevens,” recalls Ocholla. “That was my one chance to get recognised.”

Exponential growth

In 1999, Ronald Bukusi, the KRFU CEO, oversaw a sweeping change to local sevens rugby. All the local sevens tournaments were organised into a national circuit where clubs could focus all resources and players to a dedicated sevens period. 

Competitions adopted the two-day format in which teams only play three games a day, providing a layered competition where teams found their competition level on day two based on their performance on the first day.

A dedicated sevens circuit provided rapid growth at club level, increasing exponentially the number of participating teams and clubs country-wide. The feeder system to club competition is similarly efficient. 

Schools rugby was originally a preserve of schools within Nairobi and selected schools outside Nairobi in the 60’s to 80’s, competing mainly for the RFUEA Sevens and John Andrews Sevens trophies. 

In 2004, the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association, KSSSA admitted the sevens version to its annual competition after admitting the fifteens version in 1990. KSSSA competition has had significant impact on rugby in Kenya; today, any secondary school in the country can compete for the coveted KSSSA rugby trophy, which provides a clear route for players to proceed to international arenas.

In its 18th edition, the Safaricom Sevens crowd can only be contained at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, a sign of its growth from level to level, strength to strength. 

This year’s tournament director, Godwin Karuga, has an ambitious plan; to get the Safari Sevens into the highest competition possible – the IRB.

All this, thanks to the idea of the Safari Sevens and its coveted Robin Cahill Trophy. Hats off, to all the people who have made the Safari Tournament possible.

Safari Sevens Postponed Indefinitely 2 Weeks After Launch

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has announced the postponement of the eagerly anticipated 2022 Safari Sevens tournament that was scheduled to kick off on October 14.

In a press statement released by KRU, the decision was reached due to unavoidable circumstances.

“The Kenya Rugby Union has come to a difficult decision to postpone the 25th edition of the Safari Sevens originally set for 14th to 16th October 22 at the RFUEA Ground.

“This is a decision that has been occasioned by unavoidable circumstances,” read a statement from KRU.

Also Read:  Why Safari Sevens Was Moved From Nyayo Stadium

The national rugby governing body further apologized to the stakeholders for the inconveniences caused by the last minute announcement.

“We do recognize your commitment, involvement and support for the Safari Sevens over the years and take this opportunity to first of all apologize for the late postponement and secondly have a conversation on your continued involvement and participation in the tournament going forward.

“Once again, we sincerely apologize for any inconveniences caused due to these new developments,” ended the statement.

During the launch of the tournament on September 22, the organizers revealed that 18 teams (12 men's teams and 6 women’s teams) would take part in this year’s event.

Kenya were expected to field both Shujaa and the Morans in the high profile tournament. 

Safari Sevens returned in 2021 after a two-year pause caused by the pandemic that made it difficult to organize sport events around the globe.

Also Read:  Schools That Have Qualified for Girls 7S Rugby National Championship