Strathmore Leos Target Third Consecutive Prinsloo 7s Crown as National Sevens Circuit Kicks Off in Nakuru
A third consecutive title at the famous NAC would cement Strathmore’s recent dominance in the Rift and give them a perfect launchpad for an assault on the overall circuit crown.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Ogolla Geene
The 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit roars into action this weekend at the Nakuru Athletic Club, with defending champions Strathmore Leos chasing history as they bid for a third straight Prinsloo 7s title.
The season opener signals the start of a grueling six-leg national campaign that will traverse the country in search of Kenya’s overall sevens kings and queens. And all eyes will be on the Leos, who have dominated the Nakuru leg for the last two seasons.
A third consecutive title at the famous NAC would cement Strathmore’s recent dominance in the Rift and give them a perfect launchpad for an assault on the overall circuit crown.
But the road to history will not be easy. The Leos face a loaded field featuring Kenya’s rugby heavyweights, including defending Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar, former circuit champions KCB Rugby, hosts Menengai Oilers and Nakuru RFC, as well as former champions Kenya Harlequin, Nondescripts, Impala RFC, Mwamba RFC, Blak Blad, Daystar Falcons, MMUST RFC, Kabarak University, Embu RFC, Kisumu RFC and Stallions Rugby.
The men’s competition has been split into four competitive pools. Pool A has pooled Kabras Sugar together with Kenya Harlequin, Mwamba RFC and Embu RFC. Pool B is headlined by Strathmore Leos, who will battle Daystar Falcons, MMUST RFC and Kisumu RFC for a quarterfinal slot. Pool C features KCB Rugby, Nondescripts, Blak Blad and Kabarak University, while Pool D pits Menengai Oilers against hosts Nakuru RFC, Impala RFC and Stallions Rugby.
Beyond the quest for the men’s title, this year’s Prinsloo 7s carries extra significance as it marks the official introduction of a women’s competition into the National Sevens Circuit.
Eight women’s sides will compete for the inaugural Prinsloo 7s women’s crown. Pool A comprises Mwamba RFC Women, Impala RFC Women, NYS Ladies and Jackals Women, while Pool B has Northern Suburbs, Kenya Harlequin Women, Kiaamba Ladies and Pioneer Ladies.
Kenya Rugby Union officials say the inclusion of women is a major step towards growing the women’s game and creating a clear pathway to the national team, the Kenya Lionesses.
After the Nakuru opener, the circuit caravan will head to the lakeside for the Dala 7s in Kisumu, before stops at the Kabeberi 7s in Nairobi, the Driftwood 7s in Mombasa, the Embu 7s and finally the season finale at the Christie 7s in Nairobi.
For Strathmore Leos, however, the focus is firmly on Saturday and Sunday — defending their fortress, making history, and sending an early warning shot to their title rivals.
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