Defending champions Strathmore Leos have been handed a lifeline after earning an invitation to compete in Division One of the 2026 Embu 7s.Despite their relegation from the National 7s Circuit, they will feature in the top tier.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsThe Embu 7s is set for Embu Stadium from Saturday, 5, to Sunday, 6 September.Leos have won in every edition since the tournament’s inception.##NAJAVA_MECA_9928323##Strathmore endured a difficult outing at the Driftwood 7s, finishing 14th with two points to drop to Division II. However, their status as the reigning Embu champions has seen them invited back to Division One as they seek to extend their remarkable dominance at the tournament.Last year, Leos defeated KCB Rugby in the final to lift the title.“I almost gave up” – Eddy Wambugu opens up on injury that nearly ended his careerThe team will begin their defence in a difficult Pool C alongside Nondies RFC, Kabras RFC and Nakuru RFC.Pool A features KCB Rugby, Mombasa RFC, Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad and Kisumu RFC.KCB will be keen to go one better after finishing runners-up to the Leos in last year’s Embu 7s final. The Bankers will also arrive in Embu looking to respond after losing to Kabras in the Driftwood 7s final.Blak Blad, meanwhile, will be hoping to revive their campaign after last reaching the quarterfinals at the Kabeberi 7s, where they were eliminated by KCB. Mombasa and Kisumu will both be targeting improved fortunes as they look to navigate a competitive pool.Resurgent Menengai Oilers headline Pool B alongside NYS Spades, Kenya Harlequin and hosts Embu RFC.Paul Mutsami highlights stark difference between Kenyan and Ugandan rugbyOilers finished fourth at the previous Embu 7s and will be looking to improve on that performance as they chase a place in the latter stages.NYS Spades will carry confidence into the tournament after making a historic quarterfinal appearance in Mombasa. They will be looking to build on that breakthrough and make another deep run.Kenya Harlequin, meanwhile, will be seeking redemption after failing to reach the Driftwood 7s quarterfinals for the first time this season.Hosts Embu RFC will have the backing of the home crowd and will be hoping to turn that advantage into a historic maiden appearance in the quarterfinals.Patrick Odongo reveals niggly injuries ruling him out of Embu 7sPool D features Daystar Falcons, Mwamba RFC and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby, alongside Zetech University Oaks.Zetech earned promotion to Division One after a stellar performance at the Driftwood 7s and will now face their biggest test yet against some of the circuit’s established sides.
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