Strathmore Leos seek title defence as Ruff N Tuff 7s returns to Ngong
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 11.07.26. | 09:45
A landmark women's fixture will see Mwamba face Kenya Harlequins, expanding the tournament beyond the men’s competition
Defending champions Strathmore Leos will begin the defence of their Ruff N Tuff 7s crown on Saturday, 11 July, as the second edition of the tournament gets underway at the Ngong Racecourse Grounds.
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This year’s one-day competition will not only serve as another key build-up event ahead of the National Sevens Circuit, but will also make history with the introduction of a women’s exhibition match for the first time.
Kenya Harlequins Women will face Mwamba RFC Women in a landmark fixture, expanding the tournament beyond the men’s competition after last year’s inaugural edition featured only eight men’s teams.
Strathmore return as the team to beat after lifting the inaugural title in 2025, but they face a difficult path in Pool A, where they have been drawn alongside hosts Nondescripts RFC, Kenya Harlequins and Kenya Universities (KU) Blak Blad.
Pool B pits last year’s runners-up Mwamba RFC against Impala RFC, Nakuru RFC and tournament newcomers Daystar Falcons, who replace USIU Martials in this year’s competition.
The Ruff N Tuff 7s once again provides clubs with a valuable opportunity to sharpen their combinations before the National Sevens Circuit begins, with several teams expected to hand opportunities to new signings and emerging talent.
Strathmore will be aiming to replicate the form that saw them emerge victorious in the inaugural tournament, despite a challenging route to the title.
The Leos opened with a hard-fought 21-19 win over Nakuru RFC, before comfortably defeating KU Blak Blad 24-5. Although they suffered a 17-7 defeat to Kenya Harlequins in their final pool match, they still advanced to the semifinals as pool winners.
Their semifinal clash against Harlequins proved another thriller, with Shem Okolla’s late try and successful conversion sealing a narrow 19-17 victory.
In the final, Strathmore delivered one of their most complete performances, racing into a 21-0 lead, through tries from Victor Mola, Elton Amalemba and Brian Mwendwa, who converted all three scores.
Mwamba managed a late consolation through Mike Gitonga after the Leos were temporarily reduced to six players following a yellow card, but Strathmore comfortably secured a 21-5 victory to become the tournament’s first-ever champions.
Mwamba had reached the final after edging Kenya Harlequins 17-14 in the semifinals, while Quins went on to finish third with a 24-10 victory over hosts Nondescripts.
KU Blak Blad claimed fifth place after beating Nakuru RFC 19-12, while Impala RFC finished seventh following a commanding 52-0 win over USIU Martials.