Ten teams set to grace 2023 Prescott cup nationals

Rugby enthusiasts are bracing for a mini 'World Rugby U20 Trophy' when top schools from across the country's regions gather at the RFUEA Grounds from October 12-14 for much-anticipated nationals of the Prescott Cup.

Prescott Cup is an inter-school competition inaugurated in 1967, with the sole objective being to develop rugby in Kenya at the age-grade level. The inaugural participants of the tournament were Rift Valley Academy, Nairobi School, and Lenana School.

The organizers led by Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) development officer Ronald Okoth pointed out that the tournament will be seeking to nurture a breed of young players.

All the competing players will be under 18 years and no form fours will participate in this year's edition. Okoth noted that they expected seven teams from different regions in the country, in addition to three special categories, bringing the number of participating teams to 10.

"We have included three special teams and have seven regions in the country. Last week the regional games were played all over the country," he noted.

The development officer also revealed that the games would serve as a curtain-raiser for the much-anticipated Impala Floodlights.

Floodies will kick off on Saturday, October 14, starting with the quarterfinal stage before the battle heads to the semifinal stage on October 21. The competition will culminate on October 23 when the grand finale will be staged.

Initially, the three-day championship was supposed to be held at the traditional St Mary's Yala, but due to logistical challenges, the teams were forced to play the matches at the RFUEA grounds.

"The change in venue was occasioned by the fact that this term is an exam term, we have not secured a school to host the event. So, we brought the games to Nairobi, and offered teams a chance to participate here," he said.

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Unlike the previous editions, this year will see participating students taught the Competence Based Curriculum (CBC), in addition to a partnership with Talanta Hela in a bid to further nurture talents.

"The notable changes that we will expect is the selection of the U18 teams which will pave the way for the U19 and U20 categories. We are hoping to have talent development centers in December where the boys will come for a camp and help with transition from junior to senior teams,” Okoth averred.

Junior national team coaches will be at hand to talk to the participants after watching some high-intensity matches. “When they go back to school, they will know what is expected of them. Some clubs can also snap up players from the teams immediately," Okoth disclosed.

In Rift Valley, Kabianga High School emerged winners while FEASSSA rugby 7s defending champions Koyonzo High School carried the day in the Western region.

Kisii High School who are under the guidance of Astone Lee won in the Nyanza region with St Augustine claiming the top spot in the Eastern region.

In Coast, Malindi High School defied the energy-snapping temperatures to emerge victorious. Nairobi and the Central region are set to play their finals this weekend.