JKUAT Cougars eye fifth straight podium finish as inaugural Met 7s pools are unveiled

Fresh off a remarkable campaign that saw them secure promotion to the Kenya Cup and lift the 2026 Mwamba Cup, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Cougars will be chasing a fifth consecutive podium finish when they compete in the inaugural Met 7s on Saturday, 4 July, at the KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka.

The Smith Muhoya-coached side heads into the tournament brimming with confidence after enjoying one of the most successful seasons in the club's recent history.

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Their impressive run began in 2025 when they were crowned Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) Rugby Sevens champions after edging Zimbabwe's Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) 17-14 in a thrilling final played at the KCB Sports Club.

The students followed that triumph by lifting the varsity title at the Impala Floodlights tournament, defeating USIU Martials 31-23 in the final in November 2025.

Their momentum carried into the 15s season, where they reached the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship final, before narrowly falling 30-23 to Mwamba RFC.

Despite the defeat, JKUAT secured promotion to the Kenya Cup for the upcoming season.

They capped off the campaign in style by clinching the 2026 Mwamba Cup with an emphatic 60-12 victory over Mombasa RFC at the RFUEA Grounds on 30 May.

Having collected four podium finishes across different competitions, the Cougars will now be aiming to make it five in a row at the inaugural Met 7s.

However, they have been handed a daunting assignment after being drawn in Pool A alongside hosts and reigning National Sevens Circuit champions KCB Rugby.

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The Bankers will be using the tournament to fine-tune their preparations ahead of the defence of their National Sevens Circuit crown and are expected to provide one of the toughest tests in the competition.

Also in the group are Homeboyz RFC, a side JKUAT defeated in the KRU Championship semi-finals earlier this year, with Homeboyz likely to be eager for revenge, while Kabete Stallions complete what promises to be one of the tournament's most competitive pools.

Pool B will feature an all-varsity contest involving Daystar Falcons, Kenyatta University Blak Blad, Makueni Ravens, and USIU Eagles.

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In Pool C, Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks have been drawn alongside Zetech University Oaks, University of Nairobi's Mean Machine, and NYS Spades.

Meanwhile, Pool D will pit Kenya Harlequins against recently-promoted Mwamba RFC, Stingerz, and Northern Suburbs as teams battle for places in the knockout stages of the inaugural competition.

Met 7s pools

Pool A

KCB Rugby

Homeboyz RFC

Kabete Stallions

JKUAT Cougars

Pool B

Daystar Falcons

KU Blak Blad

Makueni Ravens

USIU Eagles

Pool C

Catholic Monks

Zetech University Oaks

NYS Spades

Mean Machine

Pool D

Kenya Harlequins

Mwamba RFC

Stingerz

Northern Suburbs