KRU announces schedule for 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics trials
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 19.06.25. | 13:38
The Under-18 players will be tested in the 15s format of rugby while the Under-16 players will compete in the 7s format
With 500 days left until the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) officially released the schedule for national trials to select young rugby players who could represent Kenya in this historic event.
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For the first time in history, an Olympic competition will be held on African soil. The Youth Olympic Games will take place in Dakar, Senegal, from Saturday, 31 October to Sunday, 13 November 2026. This will be a big moment for Africa, and especially for young athletes who will get the chance to shine on a global stage.
500 days to #Dakar2026 🇸🇳: a bold celebration of youth, sport and African identity
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To get ready for these games, KRU will hold nationwide trials in July for players in the Under-18 and Under-16 categories. The trials are open to boys and girls and will be held in different parts of the country.
The Under-18 players will be tested in the 15s format of rugby while the Under-16 players will compete in the 7s format.
The goal of the trials is to scout talented young players and help them grow through proper coaching and exposure. These players could become part of the teams that will fly Kenya’s flag in Dakar.
Each trial will give young players the opportunity to show their skills in front of national selectors and rugby coaches. Those who perform well will move forward in the selection process and may get the chance to train with national youth squads in preparation for the Youth Olympics.
Kenya's best performance in the Youth Olympic Games rugby sevens competition was a fourth-place finish at the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics. They lost to Fiji in the bronze medal match.
KRU National U18 and U16 Trials Schedule
6th & 7th July – Central Region
Venue: Kagumo High School
11th & 12th July – Western Region
Venue: Kakamega High School
13th & 14th July – Rift Valley Region
Venue: Kabianga High School
15th & 16th July – Nyanza Region
Venue: Kisii High School
18th & 19th July – Nairobi Region
Venue: RFUEA Grounds
20th & 21st July – Eastern Region
Venue: Machakos School
24th & 25th July – Coast Region
Venue: Shimo la Tewa High School
