Kisii School keen to use third-time lucky charm in Mombasa

Kisii School rugby players psyche themselves before a past match on March 15, 2025, in Migori. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

For the third straight year, Kisii School has claimed the Nyanza Region rugby 15s title, positioning themselves as the new rugby kings by displacing perennial heavyweights Maseno School and St Mary's School Yala.

Many have written off the Abagusii based outfit after their last two poor show at the KSSSA National finals where the team failed to go past the group stages, but coach Lee Arstone remains confident that their quality can still challenge the best in the country.

Despite the hurdle of facing newly crowned Western Region champions Vihiga High School alongside Friends Bwake Boys School from Rift Valley, who they played last year in the national and East Africa finals and Coast region's Marafa, Kisii are unbowed.

Arstone said they believe in themselves despite their narrow 3-0 win over St Mary's Yala at the Nyanza Region finals.

According to Arstone, the narrow win shows they can grind wins when things don't go according to plan and are ready to display their quality at the nationals.

"This team is resilient. We have committed boys who are ready to give their all no matter the situation and I trust we will do better this year," said Arstone.

"It has been tough for us the past two years but we have learnt our lessons and now ready to strike."

Meanwhile, Group A has reigning national and East Africa champions All Saints Embu from Eastern and former national champions Upper Hill from Nairobi.

Upper Hill, who are the 2018 national and East Africa winners, return to the games after a four-year absence and will be hoping to make up for the lost time.

Central Region champions Mang'u High School, who are also the 2010 national titleholders, complete Group A. Mang'u have dominated Central for the past two years.