Thrills and chills await rugby enthusiasts as the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) announces the highly-anticipated return of the Safari Sevens tournament slated for November 17-19 at the RFUEA Ground, Nairobi.
After a hiatus last year due to sponsorship challenges, the much-anticipated event is back following Kenya’s Sevens team’s triumphant qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The team secured their spot in the Olympics with a sensational victory over rugby powerhouses South Africa, defeating them 17-12 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The stage is now set for three days of exhilarating rugby action, promising to keep fans on the edge of their seats with non-stop excitement.
Sasha Mutant, Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), expressed pride in the tournament’s return, stating, “We are proud to be back! The tournament will bring together top African teams alongside international powerhouses, creating an unforgettable showdown that will go down in rugby history. We have partnered with key strategic sponsors who will help us restore the tournament to its former glory while furthering our commitment to developing world-class rugby in Kenya.”
To ensure the event’s successful management and execution, the KRU has enlisted the services of Africa-Centric Entertainment (ACE), a leading events project management and talent and creative agency. ACE has a track record of delivering top-notch experiences at major sporting events in Kenya, including the WRC Safari Rally, the Nairobi City Marathon, and the Kip Keino Classic.
Commenting on the tournament’s return, Marek Fuchs, ACE’s Managing Director, expressed excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to be part of this! Our commitment is to deliver a top-tier experience that will captivate spectators with its unique blend of thrilling gameplay, enhanced fan engagement, and world-class athleticism. Turudi Grao!”
Kenya will field three teams in the competition: Shujaa, Morans, and National Sevens Circuit winners, KCB. Several international teams have expressed interest in participating, including Uruguay, Germany, Belgium, Zimbabwe, and Uganda, among others.
Shujaa, with a remarkable record of nine tournament victories since its inception in 1996, will be aiming for a historic tenth title ahead of the Dubai Invitational tournament scheduled for December 1-3.
