The 2026 Driftwood 7s came with mixed emotions for Kabras RFC speedster Derrick Ashiundu.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsAs his teammates lifted the trophy after defeating KCB Rugby 15-5 in the final on Sunday, 23 August, Ashiundu was not part of the celebrations. Instead, he was at home mourning the loss of his uncle, a man he describes as a father figure and his number one fan.His uncle had been laid to rest a day earlier, on Saturday, 22 August, making it impossible for Ashiundu to join Kabras as they successfully defended their Driftwood 7s crown.Why 14 Kenyan players will miss out on inaugural Ultimate 7sWhile the victory provided a fitting sporting tribute to someone who had followed Ashiundu's rugby journey closely, the loss remained painful for the Kabras player.“I was not available for the Driftwood 7s because I was burying my uncle, someone who was so dear to me. He had played a fatherly role in my life from the beginning. We buried him, and it was a tough loss.We still think about him and grieve, but we are trying to find a way to live with the loss,” Ashiundu told Mozzart Sport.##NAJAVA_MECA_9952666##The speedster returned to rugby at the Embu 7s last weekend, where he helped Kabras put together an impressive campaign that saw them reach the final before narrowly losing 12-10 to KCB.Getting back on the pitch so soon after losing someone so close to him was difficult, but Ashiundu found comfort in knowing that his uncle would have wanted him to continue doing what he loved.“It feels good to be back. I missed playing rugby. I know my uncle is proud of me for showing up at the Embu 7s. He would have wanted me to be there, so I did this for him,” he said.Festus Shiasi opens up on special quality that earned him Ultimate 7s selectionThe winger had hoped to mark his return with a try in the final, which would have been a particularly meaningful tribute to the man who had cheered him on throughout his career. It did not happen, but simply being back on the pitch carried its own significance.For Ashiundu, his uncle was more than a family member. He was the person who helped him appreciate the importance of his rugby journey and followed his progress with unwavering enthusiasm.“He was my super fan. I made him fall in love with rugby. He loved following my games. He would often text me to congratulate me, and he was a good person and a very big fan of mine,” Ashiundu recalled.##NAJAVA_MECA_9952681##The difficult period was made slightly easier by the response from his Kabras teammates.After Ashiundu shared the news with the squad, his teammates rallied around him, offering condolences and emotional support. Some went a step further and attended his uncle's funeral, a gesture that meant a great deal to the player.“When I shared the news with the team, they took it upon themselves to support me. They sent their condolences, and some of them even came to the funeral. They have been supporting me through this and reminding me that everything is going to be fine. I am really grateful for their support,” he said.Andrew Amonde Christie 7s game plan without Ultimate Sevens starsThat sense of togetherness will once again be tested when Kabras return to the Christie 7s, with Ashiundu part of the squad that will be in action at the RFUEA Grounds from Saturday, 12, to Sunday, 13 September.The tournament will be another opportunity for Ashiundu to honour his uncle's memory.