The stage is set for a thrilling weekend of rugby as the 2026 National Sevens Circuit heads to Nairobi for the Kabeberi 7s slated for Saturday, 15 to Sunday, 16 August at the RFUEA Grounds.Defending circuit champions KCB Rugby and current log leaders Kabras Sugar have been drawn together in what has already been dubbed the tournament's "Pool of Death." Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby and Nakuru RFC complete the highly competitive pool.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsKCB arrive in Nairobi determined to bounce back after relinquishing their Dala 7s crown in Kisumu last weekend. The Bankers saw their title defence come to an abrupt end in the quarter-finals after suffering a narrow 14-12 defeat to Kenya Harlequin.In contrast, Kabras head into the tournament brimming with confidence after lifting their first National 7s Circuit title of the season. The Sugarmen capped an impressive campaign in Kisumu by defeating Menengai Oilers in the final to claim the Dala 7s crown and move to the top of the standings.##NAJAVA_MECA_9895116##The competitiveness of Pool D was already evident in Kisumu, where MMUST held KCB to a dramatic 19-19 draw in the pool stages, proving they are capable of troubling the tournament heavyweights. Nakuru RFC complete the group, making it arguably the toughest pool of the competition.Despite their disappointment in Kisumu, KCB will have extra motivation as they pursue a record-extending fifth consecutive Kabeberi 7s title. The Bankers have dominated the tournament since 2022, winning the last four editions to equal Mwamba RFC's historic four-peat achieved between 1988 and 1991. Their latest triumph came in 2025 when they defeated Daystar Falcons 20-10 in the final.Blak Blad assistant captain reveals first tournament expected to feature after injury layoffKCB have named a strong squad for the Nairobi tournament, with all eyes on David Nyangige, who is finally set to make his long-awaited debut following his move from Impala RFC.The versatile back is among the 14 players selected alongside Mike Wekesa, while Kenya internationals Nygel Amaitsa, Vincent Onyala, George Ooro and Samuel Asati have all been retained as the Bankers seek to defend their Kabeberi crown.The quartet is, however, expected to miss the September circuit leg after earning selection for the Ultimate 7s tournament in the United Kingdom.Captain Elvis Olukusi misses out on selection, while Sande Dominic, Eugene Omondi, Emmanuel Opondo, Floyd Wabwire, Brian Wahinya and Jenkins Kipruto complete a squad packed with experience.Dukisa leads Kabras in Katywa's absenceKabras Sugar will once again be among the favourites after naming a formidable squad for the third leg of the circuit.Assistant coach Ntabeni Dukisa will oversee the team in the absence of Carlos Katywa, who has been away with the Kenya Under-20 side during their successful Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy campaign.The Sugarmen have strengthened their squad with the return of experienced Kenya internationals Brian Tanga, Jone Kubu and Kevin Wekesa, all making their first circuit appearances of the season.##NAJAVA_MECA_9895153##Brian Mutua also returns after missing previous outings, while Michael Lukusi earns a deserved call-up following his outstanding displays for Chipu, where he was named Player of the Final as Kenya retained the Barthes Trophy.James Olela is set for his first sevens appearance of the season, while Adrian Khwesa, Mathias Osimbo, Derrick Ashihundu, Roy Maruti, Fredrick Wangila and Patrick Lumumba retain their places.Ashihundu will captain the side, with Dukisa assisted by Thomas Simiyu. Wilson Omondi serves as team manager, Richard Ochieng heads strength and conditioning, while Philemon Odidi and Nicolas Musembi make up the medical team.Ojwang boosts Nakuru's chancesKenya U20 coach reveals quality that sets Kabras youngster apart after Barthes Cup final heroicsNakuru RFC have also assembled an experienced squad, boosted by the inclusion of Kenya Sevens international Chrissant Ojwang'.Ojwang', who is also set to feature at the Ultimate 7s in the United Kingdom next month, brings valuable experience to Gilbert Ochieng's side.The squad also includes playmaker Cyprian Ombaso, Javan Otieno, Joel Mboya, Josephat Karanja, Stephen Arunga, Edwin Anunda, Wilson Makete, Graham Shimon and Bramwel Odida as Nakuru prepare for one of the most demanding pool-stage assignments of the season.MMUST reinforced by Makaka's returnMMUST will also be aiming to upset the established order after naming a squad strengthened by the return of Rayan Makaka.The forward is set to make his second appearance of the season after recovering from an injury sustained during the Prinsloo 7s and is expected to add physicality and leadership to the university side.Head coach John Asila has retained the core of the squad that impressed in the opening rounds, including Bivon Okoth, Don Litali, Desmond Kirwa, Flavian Otiyo, Clarence Hope, Alewin Kwemoi, Musa Mugandi, Cyrus Toroitich, Tyson Juma, Job Otieno and Moses Bulemi.The squad also welcomes newcomers Wayne Beckham and Maxwell Maiba, who are in line to make their MMUST debuts after impressing during the team's preparations.Kabeberi 7s poolsPool A: Kenya Harlequin, Daystar Falcons, Kisumu RFC, Impala RFCPool B: Mwamba RFC, Strathmore Leos, Nondies RFC, CUEA MonksPool C: Menengai Oilers, Zetech Oaks, Blak Blad, Mombasa RFCPool D: KCB Rugby, Kabras Sugar, MMUST Rugby, Nakuru RFC
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