National 7s Circuit: Kabras Sugar narrows lead on KCB

The National 7s Circuit in Kenya is set for an electric final fortnight of action in September, the injection of guest side Emerging Uganda and Kabras Sugar proving formidable challengers to defending champions KCB.

The tournament crossed the halfway mark at the Driftwood 7s in Mombasa last week, with KCB unable to defend their 2025 title, going down 15-5 to Kabras Sugar in the final thanks to a player-of-the-final performance from sevens star Kevin Wekesa.

The defending champions had to get to the final the hard way, overcoming an unpredictable Blak Blad side 29-10, Kisumu RFC 22-5, and critically, Emerging Uganda 12-7, who feature some of the best rugby talent in the entire country.

The Ugandans came into the tournament with a point to prove, with one eye on the upcoming 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens Cup in Mauritius in October.

Having claimed the 2024 Africa Men’s Sevens Cup, Uganda endured a disappointing campaign in 2025, missing out on a chance to qualify for the inaugural SVNS 3 tournament, it’s emerging ultimately finishing in fifth at the Driftwood 7s.

After seeing off third-placed side Menengai Oilers 10-5 in the semifinals, KCB ultimately fell short against Kabras, who dominated in attack and ultimately scored three tries to one.

Kabras Sugar has halved the gap at the top of the table as a result of their victory, sitting three points behind KCB and setting the stage for a thrilling final fortnight of action in September.

The result has also seen Kabras Sugar (73pts) and KCB (76 pts) open up a healthy lead over the likes of the Oilers (58 pts), the Daystar Falcons (52 pts) and the Kenya Harlequins (52 pts).

However, that 15 point gap between second and third has the potential to close quickly over the next fortnight.

Mombasa marked the final appearance of many of Kenya’s biggest sevens stars in the circuit, with KCB’s stars in George Ooro, Samuel Asati, Vincent Onyala, and Nygel Amaitsa now commencing preparations for the Ultimate Sevens in Europe.

They will be joined by Kenyan sevens stars from across the other sides in Chrisant Ojwang, John Okoth, Wekesa, Patrick Odongo, Tony Omondy and Festus Shiasi.

Their omissions are set to not only see the leading sides’ depth challenged by those lower on the table, but will also open up the chance for the likes of sides like Uganda, who themselves already have a considerable amount of international experience.

“We are up against a quality Ugandan side packed with internationals,” Head coach Andrew Amonde noted to The Star ahead of the Driftwood 7s.

“With these players away next month, our depth will be thoroughly tested for the final two circuit tournaments.”

The National 7s Circuit will have a week off ahead of the final fortnight of action, kicking off with the Embu 7s at Moi Stadium in Embu on 5-6 September.

NATIONAL SEVENS CIRCUIT SCHEDULE & TABLE

• Embu 7s  – 5th-6th September 2026 – Moi Stadium, Embu, Kenya

• Christie 7s – 12th-13th September 2026 – RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi, Kenya

Current Men’s Table:

1. KCB Rugby – 76 pts

2. Kabras Sugar RFC – 73 pts

3. Menengai Oilers – 58 pts

4. Daystar Falcons – 52 pts (tied)

5. Kenya Harlequins – 52 pts (tied)

6. Mwamba RFC – 45 pts

7. Nondescripts – 41 pts (tied)

8. Strathmore Leos – 41 pts (tied)

9. KU Blak Blad – 36 pts

10. MMUST – 27 pts

11. Nakuru RFC – 25 pts

12. Kisumu RFC – 15 pts

13. Uganda 7s – 13 pts (tied)

14. Zetech Oaks – 13 pts (tied)

15. NYS Spades – 12 pts