All set for ‘bigger and better’ Embu 7s

Stakeholders have termed this years’ edition of Embu Sevens as ‘bigger and better’ in all aspects, with several elite clubs invited.

The competition is set for Saturday July 1, at the Embu’s Moi Stadium with eight schools from Embu, Meru and Central region participating in the Secondary Schools category.

Speaking to Citizen Digital from Embu, RFC head coach Moses Mukabane told fans to expect ‘a classic action’ decorated by international stars.

“This time round we have invited very senior teams, we have about seven elite clubs and we have a guest team, Samurai select.

“Bringing in Samurai in the competition which compiles of players from Kenya cup sides will encourage teams from Embu to take the sport more seriously.

“It will also give fans a moment to meet players respected all over the world. There is no bigger way of marketing the sport,” told Mukabane.

The seven elite clubs include Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup champions KCB, Nondescripts, Strathmore Leos, and championship side Catholic Monks.

Nationalwide teams are Chuka Vikings, Dedan Kimathi from Central and Cooperative College from Nairobi.

The hosts are in group A alongside Nondies, Nanyuki Jackals and Cooperative College.

“We have prepared very well knowing stiff challenge lies ahead. We are however approaching the competition with a champion mentality, being the Central Nationwide League champions last season,” Added Mukabane.

Defending champions Machine Expandables are in Pool B with Catholic Monks, Meru RFC and Siakago Gorillas of Embu County.

Strathmore Leos are in pool C with Kiambu RFC, Northern Suburbs Cubs as well as sensational Chuka Vikings, while pool D has KCB, Samurai Select, Dedan Kimathi and Spartans RFC.

“Rugby is still young and developing in Embu that’s why we decided to add secondary schools category to promote the competition at that level of rugby. The more the game is played at school level the more it gains popularity, because nurturing of talent starts at school level,” concluded Mukabane.

Entrance fee to the tournament will be Ksh.300, while students will pay and Ksh. 200.

EMBU 7s POOLS

Pool A: Embu RFC, Nondies, Nanyuki Jackals, Cooperative College.
Pool B: Siakago Gorillas, Catholic Uni, Machine Expandable, Meru RFC
Pool C: Chuka Vikings, Strathmore Leos, Kiambu RFC, Northern Suburbs
Pool D: Spartans RFC, KCB, Samurai Select, Dedan Kimathi.