National rugby circuit heads to Kisumu as Dala 7s returns for milestone 20th edition

Forget National Girlfriends Day celebrations, the biggest date on Kenya's sporting calendar this weekend is in Kisumu.As the country marks August 1, rugby fans will flock to the lakeside city for the 20th edition of the Dala 7s, where history will be made with the introduction of the tournament's first-ever women's competition.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe second leg of this year's circuit will be held at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium from Saturday, 1 to Sunday, 2 August, bringing together 40 teams across Division One, Division Two, and women's categories.Fresh from claiming the opening leg at the Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru, KCB Rugby will be looking to extend their winning run after edging rivals Kabras Sugar 19-12 in the final. The victory handed the Bankers an early three-point lead atop the Division One standings as they chase back-to-back circuit titles.Kenya Sevens star set to debut for KCB at Dala 7sKCB headline Pool A alongside Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby, Impala RFC and newly promoted Zetech Oaks, who secured Division Two honors in Nakuru to earn promotion.Pool B features Kenya Harlequin, KU Blak Blad, Menengai Oilers and Mombasa Rugby, with the Mombasa-based outfit making their first appearance of this year's circuit.Hosts Kisumu RFC headline a competitive Pool C that also includes Nondescripts RFC, Daystar Falcons and Mwamba RFC, while Pool D pits Kabras Sugar against Nakuru RFC, Strathmore Leos and Embu RFC.##NAJAVA_MECA_9874701##The tournament will also make history by introducing an inaugural women's category. Defending circuit champions Mwamba RFC lead Pool A alongside Impala Roans, Kisumu Dolphins and Mwira Eagles.Pool B consists of NYS Spades, Kenya Harlequin, Kisii Polytechnic and Shamberere Viqueens as teams battle for the first-ever women's Dala 7s title.Division Two action will also be on display, with Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks, Kisii RFC, Sigalagala Polytechnic and JOOUST drawn in Pool A.Impala seeking quick rebound at weekend's Dala 7sPool B comprises NYS Spades, Western Bulls, Kisii Polytechnic and Busia Borderrucks, while Kabarak University, Stallions Rugby, Siaya RFC and Rongo RFC make up Pool C. Northern Suburbs, Eldopoly Community, KCA University and Mbale RFC complete Pool D.Fans can expect an entertaining opening day featuring several blockbuster fixtures, including Kenya Harlequin's clash against Menengai Oilers, Nondescripts RFC taking on Daystar Falcons before the day's action concludes with a women's showdown between Mwamba RFC and Impala Roans.Blak Blad decries lack of support from Kenyatta University despite outstanding resultsThe tournament arrives with plenty at stake in the race for the National Sevens Circuit crown. KCB will be aiming to build on the form that saw them dominate the 2025 season, where they accumulated a record 126 points, reached all six Cup finals, won four tournaments and captured a fifth overall circuit title.However, Kabras Sugar, Strathmore Leos, Menengai Oilers and hosts Kisumu RFC will all be eager to cut KCB's early lead and keep the title race alive.Beyond the rugby, Dala 7s has grown into one of the Lake Region's premier sporting and entertainment events, blending elite rugby with Kisumu's vibrant culture while promoting sports tourism.Fans attending the weekend festival will be treated to performances by Ben Soul and Odongo Swag, while DJs Teargas, Festa, Daqchild, Ves, Dimore and Gordo, alongside hype men Ballo and Kish, will keep the entertainment going throughout the two-day event.Kabras youngster Rayvon Ambale recounts six-month injury battle after dream returnA family-friendly fan zone, opportunities to interact with Kenya's rugby stars through autograph and photo sessions, and a lively festival atmosphere are also expected.The venue also holds fond memories for both KCB and Kabras. It was at Mamboleo last season that KCB defeated Kabras Sugar 12-5 in a rain-soaked final to win the 2025 Dala 7s and seal the overall National Sevens Circuit title.For Kabras, the ground remains equally significant, as it was where they secured their maiden National Sevens Circuit crown in 2017.

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