By OUR CORRESPONDENT
SportPesa has announced that they will be injecting a total of 15Million Kenya Shillings into the 2025 National Sevens Circuit.
This sponsorship sees them retain the title sponsorship and the circuit will now be named the Sportpesa National Sevens Circuit.
Speaking at the launch, KRU Chairperson Harriet Okach expressed gratitude towards SportPesa for walking the journey with Rugby and for coming on board as the sponsors for the National Seven circuit.
“Your support couldn’t have come at a better time. This circuit marks the beginning of our journey to qualify both our men’s and women’s teams for HSBC Tier 1 status next year. We are more than confident than ever that Kenya will rise again on the global stage,” she said.
Christine Kariuki, KBL Head of Mainstream, stated that Tusker is proud to continue supporting the Natiponal Sevens Circuit in 2025 and partnering with the host clubs and Kenya Rugby Unionis something we always look forward to. Rugby is a sport that brings Kenyans together, and that spirit of community and passion is at the heart of our brand.”
Willis Ojwang of SportPesa added that as a company, their commitment to supporting the growth and development of the local sports and talent ecosystem is unwavered.
For three years in a row since getting into the rugby national sevens circuit, the tournaments that run across three months and seen more than 50 rugby clubs participating, has birthed top talent and a feeder into Shujaa.
“We are proud that from the SportPesa 7s, we saw the team that went ahead to be crowned the Africa 7s Champions, booking their place into the Olympics and afterwards rose fast to return into the HSBC series,” said Ojwang.
Of the 15Million, Sh3 Million will go directly to the six host clubs, Sh6 Million will cover Live stream production costs. Sh2.3M will be used as the prize money for each leg as well as the overall winners. Sh3 M will go into support and administrative costs while Sh700,000/- will provide merchandise for teams and working Secretariat.
Prize Money per tournament:
Division One: Winner – 100,000/-
Runner’s Up – 50,000/-
Third Place – 25,000/-
Division Two: Winner – 50,000/-
Women: Winner – 70,000/-
Runner’s Up – 30,000/-
Overall Prize Money:
Winner – 300,000/-
Runner’s Up – 150,000/-
Third Place – 100,000/-
Representing the host Clubs, Nekesa Were the Honorary Secretary of Kenya Harlequins expressed gratitude to both Sportpesa and EABL for supporting the game locally. “For most host clubs, we use the Sevens Circuit to fund most of the team costs when the fifteens league starts. That’s why we’re are calling upon partners to continue supporting the game.” she said.
Nekesa also reiterated the importance of supporting women’s rugby within the country by urging clubs to keep building their ladies’ teams.
The Sportpesa7s Dates:
26th/27th July at the Driftwood 7s
2nd/3rd August – Prinsloo 7s
16th/17th August – Christie 7s
23rd/24th August – Embu 7s
6th/7th September – Kabeberi 7s
13th/14th September – Dala 7s
