Strathmore Begins Ruff N Tuff Sevens Title Defence As Crown Paints Deepens Support For Community Rugby
Left: Kevin Were, Team Manager Nondescripts RFC and Richard Muturi, Crown Paints Group Chief Operations Officer. PHOTO/ Ruff N Tuff
NAIROBI, Kenya– Defending champions Strathmore Leos will launch their Ruff N Tuff Sevens title defence against familiar rivals after the draw for the second edition of the tournament set up a thrilling contest ahead of the one-day event scheduled for July 11 at the Ngong Racecourse Grounds.
The annual tournament, organised by Crown Paints, will bring together eight of Kenya’s top community rugby clubs in what promises to be an exciting showcase of speed, skill and emerging talent as teams battle for the coveted title.
Following the success of the inaugural edition, this year’s competition is expected to attract thousands of rugby fans and further cement the Ruff N Tuff Sevens as one of the country’s fast-rising fixtures on the domestic rugby calendar.
The draw for this edition sees defending champions Strathmore Leos placed in Pool A alongside Kenya Harlequins, Blak Blad RFC and hosts Nondescripts RFC in what promises to be a fiercely contested group. Last year’s runners-up Mwamba RFC headline Pool B, where they will take on Nakuru RFC, Impala RFC and tournament debutants Daystar Falcons.
Speaking during the tournament draw, Crown Paints Group Chief Operations Officer Richard Muturi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the long-term growth of Kenyan rugby through sustained investment in community competitions.
“As Crown Paints, we are committed for the long haul. We are taking one step at a time and are excited to see what the second edition of this tournament will achieve. We will continue engaging with the Kenya Rugby Union and other key stakeholders to explore how we can further support the growth of the game,” said Muturi.
He said the company views the tournament as more than a competition, describing it as a platform to connect with customers socially, nurture local talent, grow fan engagement and strengthen the domestic rugby ecosystem. “These are baby steps, but we believe they are the right ones. Our ambition is to grow alongside the sport and contribute to its continued development,” he added.
“We continue to build on the success of the tournament, and this year we are delighted to welcome the Mwamba RFC and Kenya Harlequins women’s teams, who will play ahead of the men’s final. It is another important step in our commitment to growing the game by supporting the development and visibility of rugby at every level.”
The second edition has attracted strong corporate backing, with the main sponsor Crown Paints, Hemingways Collection, SportPesa and Coca-Cola reflecting a growing private sector confidence in Kenyan rugby and its potential to attract fans, develop talent and create lasting community impact.
Beyond the on-field action, the tournament aims to strengthen community rugby by providing clubs with a competitive platform while creating greater opportunities for players to showcase their talent before selectors, sponsors and supporters.
With regional bragging rights, emerging stars and the championship trophy all on the line, this year’s Ruff N Tuff Sevens promises an action-packed day of rugby as Kenya’s top clubs battle to write the next chapter in one of the country’s fastest-growing sevens tournaments.
