Kenya rugby lands sponsorship deal with Tusker for twin events

The Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) through its flagship beer brand Tusker on Wednesday 8 November announced a sponsorship deal worth Ksh. 15 million with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) all in support of the forthcoming events - Safari Sevens and Elgon Cup - set for this month.

The partnership, the second one KRU has entered into with Tusker this year, marks yet another chapter the organization has had with the sport of rugby, with the journey beginning in the early 1990s when they first sponsored the Safari Sevens.

The Safari Sevens is returning to the country for the first time since 2021 and will be held at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) Grounds from 17-19 November.

“On behalf of the KBL, we are delighted to announce this sponsorship to the Kenya Rugby Union to support the upcoming Elgon Cup and the Safari Sevens tournaments,” KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti said in the presentation held at the KBL Headquarters in Ruaraka. “Our investment signifies our unwavering dedication to the growth and development of rugby in Kenya, both in the present and the future.

“Our sponsorship is not merely an investment: it’s a testament to our belief in the potential of Kenyan rugby. Through this partnership, we aim to reignite the passion and excitement that rugby has always brought to our fans. This is not just about sports; it’s about the pride and unity that rugby brings to our nation.”

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Also covered in the sponsorship deal is the Elgon Cup tournament pitting Kenya Simbas and Uganda, with the second leg taking place on 11 November in Kisumu.

The first leg at the King's Park Arena in Kampala on Sunday 5 ended in a narrow 21-20 win for Uganda.

The competition last graced the rugby stage in 2019.

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“Tusker has been a steadfast partner, standing by Kenyan rugby in various capacities for many years. We are forever grateful for their continued support,” KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai said. “The return of the Safari Sevens and the Elgon Cup represents a crucial step forward for rugby in Kenya. With the caliber of teams set to participate, we are all but assured of spectacular tournaments that will captivate the rugby fraternity.

We urge all rugby fans in the country to come out in large numbers to support their favorite teams. Together, we will create unforgettable moments.”

The Safari Sevens is an annual rugby sevens spectacle held in Kenya, attracting international representative sides, professional and amateur clubs, invitational teams, and university, and school squads.

So far, twelve teams have confirmed their participation in the Safari 7s men’s competition, with hosts Kenya presenting three sides – Shujaa, Morans, and KCB. Additionally, Uganda, Zambia, Germany, Qatar, Samurai, Red Wailers, Apache, and Tropic 7s have all confirmed their participation. The women’s event will feature five teams, including the two Kenya Lionesses squads, Uganda, TUKS Women, and Tropic 7s.