Rugby fans are in for a special treat as the 2026 Impala Floodlit Tournament enters its final stage on Saturday, 31 October, with a full day of action set to culminate in a mouthwatering men’s Cup final between Kenya Harlequin FC and KCB Rugby at the Impala Grounds.The 43rd edition of the iconic competition, dubbed The Grand Finale, will bring together the best-performing teams across the men’s, women’s and university categories, with silverware up for grabs in a series of decisive encounters.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe highlight of the day will be the men’s Cup final at 7:30pm, where Kenya Harlequin will be seeking to end a 28-year wait for the title, while record champions KCB target an 11th tournament crown.KCB head into the showdown on the back of an impressive run to the final. The Bankers dispatched Menengai Oilers in the quarter-finals before producing a commanding 64-11 victory over Mwamba RFC in the semi-finals.Kenya Harlequin, meanwhile, secured their place in the decider after edging Nondescripts 28-24 in a closely contested semi-final, setting up a repeat of the 2014 final.The encounter will carry added significance for Quins head coach Patrice Agunda, who was still a player when the two sides last met in a Floodlit final 12 years ago. This time, he will be tasked with guiding the Ngong Road outfit to its first title since 1998.Former Kenya International on why Shujaa performs better than Kenya SimbasQuins have a proud history in the competition, having lifted the trophy three times. Their first triumph came in 1990 following a 12-10 victory over Mwamba, before they added a second crown in 1997 with a 37-25 win over Quins II.They secured their third and most recent title in 1998 after producing an emphatic 41-6 victory over KCB. Since then, the club has reached the final on three occasions, in 2002, 2008 and 2014, but has been unable to add to its trophy collection.For KCB, the final presents another opportunity to reinforce their dominance in the competition. Their first title came in 2005, followed by another in 2007, before establishing themselves as a powerhouse with successive triumphs between 2013 and 2015 and again from 2017 to 2019. In 2022, they claimed their ninth title after beating Nondescripts 20-3.The Bankers will be led by captain Vincent Onyala, with vice-captain Winton Macharia also featuring in the starting XV.##NAJAVA_MECA_10075977##KCB Rugby squadKCB have named a strong 23-man squad for the final, with captain Onyala leading the side from outside centre.Starting XV: Patrick Ouko (1), Fortune Arturo (2), Wilhite Mususi (3), Winton Macharia (4), Charles Osgood (5), Randy Wamah (6), Elvis Olukusi (7), Sheldon Kahi (8), Emmanuel Opondo (9), Brian Wahinya (10), Branton Lusisa (11), Bob Muhati (12), Vincent Onyala (13, captain), Festus Shiasi (14), Nigel Amaitsa (15).Replacements: Samson Mapesa (16), Collins Obure (17), Innocent Murunda (18), Churchill Otieno (19), George Ooro (20), Samuel Asati (21), Richel Wangila (22), Stephen Osumba (23).Kenyan rugby player opens up on challenges of adapting to life in PolandKenya Harlequin FC squadHead coach Agunda has also named a 23-man squad as Quins chase their first Floodlit title since 1998.Starting XV: Winston Odhiambo (1), George Otieno (2), Nathaniel Mwangi (3), Collins Odiwuor (4), Edward Shitanda (5), Matthew Ouma (6), Bradley Odero (7), Jeff Kiragu (8, captain), Patrick Wainaina (9), Faran Juma (10, vice-captain), David Mwangi (11), Albert Alela (12), Alvin Mutachi (13), Michael Ochieng (14), Reuben Masoni (15).Replacements: Daudi Jabita (16), Jaika Adams (17), George Owino (18), Willy Tino (19), Brighton Omondi (20), Simon Ochieng (21), Charles Kinyanjui (22), Ramadhan Masete (23).Agunda will be assisted by Oliver Mang’eni and Kevin Keegan, with William Ambaka serving as strength and conditioning coach. Kennedy Barua is the team physiotherapist, while Wayne Mung’ei is the team manager.##NAJAVA_MECA_10077445##Other finals on the programmeBefore the main event, Menengai Oilers will face Blak Blad in the men’s Plate final at 4:10pm, while Nondescripts and Mwamba RFC meet in the third-place playoff at 5:50pm.The women’s competition will also provide its share of excitement, with Quins Queens taking on Mwamba RFC in the final at 12:50pm. Impala Roans and Northern Suburbs will battle for third place at 9:30am.In the university category, Daystar Falcons and JKUAT Cougars will contest the championship final at 2:30pm, while Mean Machine face Kabete Stallions in the Plate final at 11:10am. Zetech Oaks and USIU Martials will also meet in the third-place Plate playoff at the same time.Kenya Harlequin eye Impala Floodlit glory after 12-year final wait
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