Sneak peek into Prinsloo 7s pools

The final leg of the 2024 National 7s Circuit; Prinsloo 7s will happen from Saturday 14 to Sunday 15 September at the Nakuru Athletic Club. There will be fireworks as the winner of the competitive circuit will be announced.

Mozzart Sport gives you a sneak peek of the pools.

Pool A:

This Pool has log leaders Kenya Harlequin, Nakuru-based Menengai Oilers, Driftwood 7s hosts Mombasa RFC, and Zetech Oaks.

Harlequins' remarkable form this season, capped by their recent Driftwood 7s title win, has placed them firmly atop the standings with 97 points. The Paul Murunga-coached side has been a dominant force, securing two Cup titles and consistently advancing to the semi-finals throughout the campaign.

They only need a semi-final finish to clinch their first Circuit title. They will however be up against Menengai Oilers who are eager to end the circuit on a high. The Oilers are also enjoying home advantage.

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Despite an uncharacteristic stumble in Mombasa where they missed the quarter-finals for the first time this season, will be eager to bounce back and chase their second Prinsloo 7s crown. Coach Gibson Weru’s squad has already made two consecutive final appearances earlier in the season and will be looking to grace another final.

Zetech Oaks too are a force to be reckoned with. They are fresh off an impressive performance at Driftwood 7s, where they went unbeaten on day one. Although their run ended in the quarter-finals, they remain a threat in this pool and are keen to make another deep push.

Rounding out the group is Mombasa RFC, who will be looking to improve after competing in a fiercely contested field at the Driftwood 7s.

Pool B:

This pool has National 7s Circuit defending champions KCB Rugby, Nondies RFC, hosts Nakuru RFC, and Mwamba RFC.

The Bankers sit just nine points behind Quins with 86 points and will be fighting fiercely for the Circuit title in Nakuru. They have reached four semi-finals this season and remain strong contenders.

A strong performance in Nakuru, coupled with a Quins misstep, could propel them to the top. They are also eyeing their fifth Prinsloo 7s title.

Nondies will be aiming to rediscover the form that saw them upset KCB at Christie 7s. They’ve had a solid season and will be pushing for another quarter-final appearance.

Mwamba RFC, one of the historically dominant sides at Prinsloo 7s with five titles, will be looking to bounce back after a challenging season where they’ve missed out on the quarter-finals in the last five events.

Meanwhile, hosts Nakuru RFC will be hoping to capitalize on home advantage and avoid the fate of other hosts like Mombasa, Mwamba, and Kisumu, who failed to progress from the group stages in their respective home tournaments.

Pool C:

This is arguably the pool of death in the circuit. This pool should give us a varsity select for this year’s Safari 7s, and possible Morans.

It has Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, Strathmore Leos, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) Rugby, and Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) Monks.

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Blak Blad head into this tournament with boosted confidence following their impressive showing at Driftwood 7s, where they stunned Kabras RFC to secure third place. It was their first time breaking into the last eight this season, and they’ll be eager to carry that momentum into Nakuru.

Strathmore Leos and Catholic Monks have been inconsistent and will be keen to push for a spot in the quarter-finals. Leos have reached the fifth-place finals in the last two rounds, while Monks struggled in Mombasa, picking up just one point. Both teams are looking for redemption in this varsity-heavy pool.

MMUST completes the group and will be aiming for their fifth quarter-final appearance of the season, after falling short last season.

Pool D:

This pool comprises Kabras RFC, Daystar Falcons, Stallions Rugby, and Kabarak University.

Kabras RFC, despite missing the podium in Mombasa, are still in the hunt for the overall Circuit title.

Their semi-final loss to KU Blak Blad gave Quins a crucial edge, but the Felix Ayange-coached side still have a chance to bounce back.

As the defending Prinsloo 7s champions, Kabras will be eager to retain their crown and hope for a Quins slip-up.

Daystar Falcons too have shown significant improvement over the last two events, including a fifth-place finish in Mombasa. They’ll be looking to close out the season with another strong performance.

Kabete Stallions, also in the pool, are aiming for their first-ever quarter-final appearance after successfully avoiding relegation all season. Rounding out the group is Kabarak University, who were crowned Division II winners in Mombasa. They will be eager to leave their mark.

With Kenya Harlequin just one semi-final away from securing the Circuit title, all eyes will be on Nakuru to see if Quins can maintain their dominance or if challengers KCB and Kabras can make a late push for the crown.

Fans can expect an intense weekend of rugby as the 2024 National Sevens Circuit reaches its thrilling climax at the Prinsloo 7s.

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Division I Pools

Pool A: Kenya Harlequin, Zetech University, Menengai Oilers, Mombasa RFC

Pool B: KCB Rugby, Nondescripts, Mwamba RFC, Nakuru RFC

Pool C: KU Blak Blad, Strathmore Leos, MMUST Rugby, Catholic Monks

Pool D: Kabras RFC, Daystar Falcons, Stallions Rugby, Kabarak University

Division II

Pool A: TUM Marines, Bungoma RFC, Jackals, KCA University

Pool B: NYS Spades, Mean Machine, Molo RFC, Rongai Morans

Pool C: JKUAT, Ap Warriors, Nandi Bears, Kisii RFC,

Pool D: Northern Suburbs, Ngong Warriors, Eldoret RFC, Presbyterian Uni

Pool E: MKU Thika, Homeboyz RFC, Project 61, Kisii Kifaru

Women’s Pools

Pool A: Impala, Ruck It Rugby, Western Spears, NYS Gilgil

Pool B: Mwamba, Kenya Harlequin, Meru Ladies, Groundshakers

Pool C: Northern Suburbs, Nakuru Ladies, NYS Spades, Kabarak University