Expectations high as third edition of Watamu Beach Rugby is launched

The third edition Watamu Beach Rugby was launched on Friday at Papa Remo Beach, with up to four Kenya Cup teams expected to take part in the function which will run from 29th to 31^st July.

Organisers announced that the 5-aside touch rugby games will be played in a three day tournament with the cup winner taking home Ksh200, 000.

Cup runners up will bag Ksh100, 000, third and fourth take Ksh70,000 and Ksh50,000 respectively as the MVP and Top Try Scorer takes home Ksh10,000 each.

Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar, Strathmore Leos and Mwamba RFC are some of the top tier teams expected, with further confirmations set to come in from Top Fry Nakuru and Menengai Cream Homeboyz.

Joining the top tier teams will be the defending champions Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya Cup II sides USIU, South Coast Pirates, local clubs Watamu RFC, Malindi RFC, Kilifi Sharks, Pwani Sharks and Likoni Bullocks.

Kilifi County Director of Sports Bonface Kirimi is optimistic the tournament will see unprecedented success.

“This year we are expecting a very competitive tournament as well as welcoming tourists from all over the country and abroad. Security is assured in here and we hope to have a successful rugby event”

“Of Course they are big teams playing in the Kenya Cup and the nationwide but we are also preparing well and we’ll prove this on the match day. Our target is to see the Cup remain here,” told Watamu RFC captain Jonathan Kuya at the luncheon.

So far, Kabras Sugar, Mwamba RFC, Masaku RFC, USIU, Strathmore Leos, Malindi RFC, Mombasa RFC, South Coast Pirates, Likoni Bullocks, Likoni RFC, Pwani Sharks, Kilifi Sultans, Watamu RFC, Blue Marlins,Taita Socks and TUM Marines have confirmed participation.

The Main Cup winner will bag Ksh. 200,000, while the runner up gets Ksh.100,000.

Third and fourth place finishers will carry home Ksh.70,000 and 50,000 respectively, while Plate and Bowl winners pocket 40,000 and 20,000 in that order.

The most valuable player (MVP) and the highest try scorer will each bag Ksh.10,000.