Strathmore Leos out to defend Ruff N Tuff 7s title as women's exhibition match debuts

Defending champions Strathmore Leos will launch their bid to retain the Ruff N Tuff 7s title on Saturday, 11 July, with this year's tournament set to make history through the introduction of a women's exhibition match for the first time.

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The one-day competition, to be staged at the Ngong Racecourse Grounds, will feature eight men's teams alongside a women's exhibition clash between Kenya Harlequins and Mwamba RFC, marking a significant expansion from the inaugural edition, which featured only the men's competition.

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Strathmore headlines the men's field after lifting the inaugural title last year and will face a stern test in Pool A, where they have been drawn alongside hosts Nondescripts RFC, Kenya Harlequins, and Kenyatta University's (KU) Blak Blad.

Pool B brings together last year's runners-up Mwamba RFC, Impala RFC, Nakuru RFC, and newcomers Daystar Falcons, who replace USIU in this year's competition.

Last year's inaugural edition served as a curtain-raiser to the National Sevens Circuit, giving teams a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations before the start of the domestic campaign.

Strathmore's journey to the title was anything but straightforward. The Leos opened with a narrow 21-19 victory over Nakuru RFC before cruising past Blak Blad 24-5. They then suffered a 17-7 defeat to Kenya Harlequins in their final pool match but still progressed to the semifinals as pool winners.

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In the last four, Strathmore edged Kenya Harlequins 19-17 in a tense encounter, with Shem Okolla's decisive try and conversion proving the difference.

The final against Mwamba RFC showcased Strathmore's dominance as they built a commanding 21-0 lead through tries from Victor Mola, Elton Amalemba, and Brian Mwendwa, who also converted all three scores.

Mwamba eventually crossed the whitewash through Mike Gitonga after Strathmore were temporarily reduced to six players following a yellow card, but the late converted try only reduced the deficit as the Leos claimed a convincing 21-5 victory to become the tournament's inaugural champions.

Mwamba had booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 17-14 semifinal win over Kenya Harlequins, while Quins bounced back to defeat hosts Nondescripts 24-10 in the third-place playoff.

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KU Blak Blad finished fifth after overcoming Nakuru RFC 19-12, while Impala RFC claimed seventh place with a dominant 52-0 victory over USIU Martials.