The highly anticipated fifth leg of the 2024 Driftwood 7s is set to take place at the Mombasa Sports Club on September 7-8, promising an action-packed weekend of rugby. The pools for the tournament have been officially announced, creating a buzz among rugby enthusiasts as top teams prepare to battle it out for supremacy.
Pool C: The “Pool of Death” Featuring Kenya Harlequin and Kabras Sugar Rugby
Arguably the most competitive group, Pool C has been dubbed the “pool of death” due to the high caliber of teams it contains. Kenya Harlequin, the current log leaders, will face off against defending champions Kabras Sugar Rugby in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have shown exceptional form throughout the season, and their clash at the Driftwood 7s could be pivotal in determining the overall circuit standings.
Nakuru RFC and Mwamba RFC, also part of Pool C, add further intrigue to this group. Nakuru RFC has been impressive in previous legs of the circuit, consistently challenging the top teams, while Mwamba RFC, despite sitting lower on the log, is known for its tenacity and ability to cause upsets. With all four teams eager to secure a place in the knockout stages, Pool C is expected to deliver some of the most exciting and closely contested matches of the tournament.
Pool A: KCB Rugby Leads the Charge
Pool A features KCB Rugby, currently third on the log, who will be aiming to continue their strong performance in the circuit. The Bankers have been in solid form, recently securing their first Cup win of the season at the Kabeberi 7s. They will face off against Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, and hosts Mombasa RFC.
MMUST, who have had a rollercoaster season, will be looking to avenge their recent 22-5 loss to KCB in the final pool match of the Kabeberi 7s. Blak Blad, on the other hand, failed to qualify for the quarterfinal stage during the Kabeberi leg and will be eager to prove their mettle in Mombasa. The hosts, Mombasa RFC, will hope to leverage their home advantage to put on a strong showing in front of their supporters.
Pool B: Menengai Oilers Seek Redemption
In Pool B, the Menengai Oilers, who have reached two finals this season only to fall short, will be determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest for maximum points. The Oilers are currently fourth on the log and remain in contention for the overall circuit title. They will face Daystar Falcons, Nondescripts, and Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Marines.
Daystar Falcons, fresh from their first quarterfinal appearance at the Kabeberi 7s, are a team on the rise and will be looking to build on their recent success. Nondies, another team with something to prove, missed out on the quarterfinals at Kabeberi and are on a mission to redeem themselves. TUM Marines, playing on their home turf, will rely on the support of the local crowd and their familiarity with the coastal conditions to secure victories.
Pool D: Catholic Monks and Strathmore Leos Battle for Supremacy
Pool D includes the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks, Strathmore Leos, Stallions Rugby, and Zetech University. The Monks have been one of the standout teams of the season, currently sitting fifth on the log after an impressive fourth-place finish at the Kabeberi 7s. They will be looking to continue their upward trajectory at the Driftwood 7s.
Strathmore Leos, who have steadily climbed the standings, are now in seventh place with 44 points. They will be aiming to surpass their rivals and secure a strong finish in Mombasa. Stallions Rugby and Zetech University, both new to the top tier, will be eager to make their mark and challenge the more established teams in the pool.
Division II: A Platform for Emerging Talent
In addition to the main competition, the Driftwood 7s will also feature Division II matches, providing a platform for emerging teams to showcase their skills. Pool A of Division II includes MKU Thika, KCA University, Mean Machine, and Jackals, while Pool B features Kabarak University, Ngong Warriors, Makueni RFC, and Kilifi Titans.
Pool C is composed of Northern Suburbs, Kenya Prisons, MKU Nairobi, and Kenya National Coast Polytechnic, with Pool D housing AP Warriors, JKUAT Cougars, Molo RFC, and Gede RFC. Pool E rounds out the division with Embu RFC, NYC Spades, USIU A, and Dedan Kimathi University. These teams will be competing not only for bragging rights but also for the chance to move up the ranks in future tournaments.
A Look at the Current Standings
As the Driftwood 7s approaches, Kenya Harlequin sits at the top of the table with 75 points, followed closely by Kabras Sugar Rugby with 73 points. KCB Rugby is in third place with 67 points, while Menengai Oilers hold fourth place with 60 points. The Catholic Monks, MMUST, and Strathmore Leos are also in the mix, each looking to improve their standings as the circuit heads towards its conclusion.
The stakes are high as the top teams vie for the overall title, and every match at the Driftwood 7s will be crucial in determining the final standings. With so much on the line, the competition in Mombasa promises to be fierce, with no team willing to concede an inch.
Conclusion: An Unmissable Weekend of Rugby
The 2024 Driftwood 7s is shaping up to be one of the most exciting legs of the National 7s Circuit, with top teams like Kenya Harlequin, Kabras Sugar Rugby, and KCB Rugby all looking to assert their dominance. The pools have set the stage for intense competition, particularly in the “pool of death,” where fans can expect thrilling encounters between some of the best teams in the country.
As the teams prepare for the weekend, rugby fans across Kenya are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an unmissable event at the Mombasa Sports Club. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the Driftwood 7s is sure to deliver top-notch rugby action, with plenty of drama, excitement, and memorable moments.
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