Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) have announced the return of Africa’s premier rugby tournament, The Safari Sevens set to take place at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) grounds along Ngong Road, Nairobi from November 17th – 19th.
Speaking on this year’s tourney, KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai said ‘’We are proud to be back! The tournament will bring together top African teams, along with international powerhouses, for an unforgettable showdown that will make rugby history. We have tapped key strategic partners that will re-establish the tournament back to its glory days while helping us achieve our commitment to developing world class rugby in Kenya’’.
To co-manage and bring the experience to life, KRU has tapped leading events, project management, talent and creative agency Africacentric Entertainment (ACE). A disruptive force that has so far this year, helped elevate and deliver top class experiences at the biggest sporting events in Kenya from WRC Safari Rally, Nairobi City Marathon to the World Athletics Kip Keino Classic.
Commenting on the return of the tournament, Marek Fuchs, the ACE Managing Director noted, ‘We are excited to be back in the mix! We are committed to delivering a top class experience that will dazzle spectators with its unique blend of thrilling gameplay, elevated fan experience, and world-class athleticism. Turudi Grao! ’’.
KRU will rely on the agency’s experience in managing large scale events as well their vast network and stake in the Kenyan sports and entertainment industries as well as corporate Kenya to help elevate SAFARI SEVENS to newer heights.
The tournament makes a return on the back of the Kenya national sevens team qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics as well as a newly elected KRU board.
Kenya will feature three teams; Shujaa, Morans and National Sevens Circuit winners KCB.
Shujaa have won the tournament a record nine times since inception in 1996 and will be aiming to win a tenth ahead of the Dubai invitational tournament set for December 1-3.
Teams that have expressed interest in the tournament include Uruguay, Germany, Belgium, Zimbabwe, and Uganda among others.