Rugby
By SWaleh
Kenya Harlequins have emerged as the champions of the 2024 Driftwood Sevens, clinching the title with a thrilling 15-12 victory over KCB Rugby. The final, held at the Mombasa Sports Club, drew a vibrant crowd eager to see one of the most anticipated matches in the SportPesa 7s Rugby Circuit.
The win earned the Harlequins Sh100,000, while KCB Rugby, despite their valiant effort, settled for Sh50,000.
A Rollercoaster Final
The final was a dramatic affair, with KCB Rugby taking an early 12-0 lead through a well-converted try and another unconverted score. However, the Harlequins demonstrated remarkable resilience. They fought back with two quick tries, thrilling their supporters and leveling the playing field.
As the game neared its climax, a late try from the Harlequins secured their victory, sending their fans into a frenzy of celebration. This win is particularly significant for the Harlequins as it marks their second title of the season, following their earlier success at the Ingo Sevens in Kakamega.
Season Standings
With this victory, the Harlequins now lead the SportPesa 7s Circuit with 97 points. They are the frontrunners for the overall title, with their captain, Richel Wangila, declaring their intent to continue their winning streak. “This is our second win, and we’re not slowing down. We aim to win the Prinsloo 7s and the overall title,” Wangila stated.
Last year’s champions, Kabras Rugby Club, finished fourth after a 22-10 loss to Blak Blad. Kabras remains a strong contender for the overall circuit title, sitting second on the leaderboard with 88 points. KCB Rugby, despite their loss in the final, are third with 86 points, keeping the race for the top spot extremely competitive.
Celebrating Rugby at All Levels
The Driftwood 7s also highlighted the diversity of Kenyan rugby. In Division Two, NYS 7s emerged as champions, taking home Sh50,000 after an impressive performance throughout the tournament. The two-division format allowed fans to enjoy both top-tier rugby and rising talent from grassroots clubs.
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir attended the event and praised its role in promoting sportsmanship and community spirit. “We are proud to host the Driftwood 7s, which not only showcases the best rugby talent but also boosts tourism, competition, and unity among our youth,” the Governor said.
Looking Ahead
SportPesa’s commitment to rugby was evident throughout the tournament. Mercy Kabui, representing SportPesa, lauded the success of the Driftwood 7s and its role in talent identification. She also looked forward to the upcoming Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru on September 14-15 and the Safari 7s in October.
“Driftwood 7s offers one of the best fan experiences in the circuit. We congratulate all the participating clubs and look forward to more exciting matches at Prinsloo and Safari 7s,” Kabui noted.
The tournament also marked the launch of the “Tujiamini Initiative,” a SportPesa-backed program aimed at nurturing sports talent in Kenya’s Coastal region. This initiative focuses on developing young athletes and supporting grassroots sports, a crucial step in enhancing the quality of rugby and other sports in the country.
