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Everything you need to know about this weekend's Ingo 7s taking place at the Kakamega ASK showground:
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) is set to host the inaugural Ingo 7s tournament at the Kakamega ASK Showground this weekend.
As the second leg of the 2024 SportPesa 7s Circuit, the event promises an action-packed weekend of rugby on August 3-4, marking a historic moment as it is the first time that the Kakamega tournament has been directly organized by the KRU. Here's everything you need to know about this exciting event.
Background
The Ingo 7s represents a new chapter in Kenyan rugby, with Kakamega emerging as a key venue in the National 7s Circuit. The town of Kakamega, known for its growing rugby culture, has hosted the circuit twice before, with Kabras RFC as the host.
Kabras RFC previously triumphed in the 2022 Kakamega 7s, defeating Menengai Oilers 19-7 in the final. However, the circuit was not held in Kakamega in 2023. This year, KRU has taken direct control of the event, aiming to elevate it to the same standard as other established tournaments in the circuit.
Why KRU introduced the tournament
Although Kakamega has hosted the tournament two times before, it offered it as a floating tournament which meant Kabras RFC would host it.
However, it was not part of the circuit in 2023, and given the region’s reputation as one where rugby is increasing in popularity, it made a return, but this time, it is KRU themselves that will be hosting it.
“We had three legs of the event, which used to be Kabeberi, Christies and Driftwood, and then Kisumu -Dala 7s was added, as well as Prinsloo in Nakuru,” new federation CEO Thomas Odundo said.
“The sixth tournament has always been a KRU tournament, but in efforts to support clubs, offered it as a floating tournament, so clubs that met the requirements for hosting would host it.
“For this year, KRU decided to host it by itself because it is an environment we want to control just to ensure it meets the same standards as the rest.”
Pools
Division 1
Kabras RFC, the hosts, are seeded top following their victory at the Christie 7s last weekend. Kabras RFC, who won the Christie 7s, will face MMUST, Blak Blad, and the invited Western Bulls in Pool A.
In Pool B, Christie 7s runners-up Kenya Harlequin will compete against Nondies, Daystar Falcons, and Mwamba, who received an invite after a disappointing performance last weekend.
Pool C features Catholic Monks, who finished third at Christie 7s, alongside Menengai Oilers, Homeboyz Rugby, and the invited Kisumu RFC.
The final pool, Pool D, includes Strathmore Leos, who achieved a fourth-place finish at Christie 7s, KCB Rugby, Nakuru RFC, and newly promoted Stallions Rugby.
Division 2
In pool, A Embu RFC are set to play against KCA University, Sigalagala National Polytechnic and Kenya Police.
In pool B Zetech University will play against Mean Machine, Homabay Rugby and KisIi University.
Pool C features NYS spades alongside Northern Suburbs, Mbale RFC and Webuye RFC.
In pool D AP Warriors will compete with Kabarak University, Vihiga Granites and Bungoma RFC.
Lastly in the final pool E, we have Tum MarineS to play against MKU Nairobi, Busia Borderrucks and Shambere TTI.
Ticketing information
Regular season tickets will go at 500 shillings a piece, with VIP ones going for 800 shillings. A daily regular ticket will go for 300 shillings, with a VIP one going for 500 shillings. Tail Tickets will be sold at 10, 000 shillings apiece.
Tickets can be purchased from the gate or at Tikohub.com
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