Defending champions Menengai Oilers are set for a blockbuster opener to the 2026 Impala Floodlights tournament as they face former champions KCB Rugby on 17 October. The match will be a repeat of last year’s quarter-final clash where the Oilers emerged champions.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsThe mouth-watering fixture headlines the draw for the 43rd edition of the Impala Floodlit Rugby Tournament, officially unveiled during a high-profile press launch at the Impala Pavilion on Sunday, 4 October.The tournament, dubbed “Episode 43,” promises three weekends of intense pre-season rugby and entertainment, with the opening round scheduled for October 17 before subsequent action on October 24 and 31 at the Impala Grounds along Ngong Road.##NAJAVA_MECA_9999945##Oilers, who lifted last year’s title, will have a tough assignment in their quest to retain the crown, with KCB standing between them and a place in the semi-finals. The two sides also met at the same stage last year, setting up another intriguing chapter in their growing rivalry.Host club Impala Gazelles will,meanwhile,face Ngong Road neighbours Nondies in another highly anticipated quarter-final.Nondies, last year’s runners-up, will be looking to go one step further this time, while Gazelles will hope home advantage can inspire them to a deep run in the competition.Sweet revenge as Morans outclass Madagascar to clinch Africa Men’s 7s titleThe remaining two quarter-finals will see Strathmore Leos take on Mwamba RFC, while Kenya Harlequins face Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad.The Universities category will also offer an intriguing line-up, with defending champions Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) opening their campaign against University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine.Last year’s finalists United States International University (USIU) will meet hosts Impala Swaras, while Zetech University take on KCA University. Daystar Falcons, meanwhile, will face Kabete Stallions.Menengai Oilers duo set for Shujaa debuts as squad for Africa Men’s Sevens is announcedIn the Women’s category, the competition will begin at the semi-final stage, with defending champions Mwamba Ladies taking on Northern Suburbs.Hosts Impala Roans have been handed a difficult assignment against Harlequin Queens in the other semi-final.Floodlights Chairman Loren Lubanga said the draw captured the competitive nature of the tournament, with teams expected to use the three-weekend competition as an important test ahead of the 15s season.“The matchups drawn today reflect exactly what Floodies is all about: there are no easy games under the lights. The 15s season isn't handed to you; it is built when no one is watching and tested in prime time. Episode 43 is going to be an absolute spectacle of grit and high-level rugby,” Lubanga said.Shimenga Libondo sets sights on international stage with Friends School KamusingaBeyond the rugby, the 2026 edition is set to offer an enhanced fan experience, with a coalition of corporate partners backing the tournament.Their support will go towards an enhanced fan village, live entertainment and upgraded player welfare protocols as Impala seeks to raise the profile of one of Kenya’s longest-running club rugby tournaments.