SCHOOLS: Kangaru keen to reclaim Eastern Region rugby 7s title

Teachers and supporters of Mbooni Secondary School celebrate after a past win. [File]

Former Eastern Region rugby 7s champions Kangaru school are itching to reclaim their lost glory at the regional games that begin on Thursday at Kitui School.

Kangaru, who were a force to reckon with in the past years as they dominated the region in both the longer and shorter versions of the game, are determined to rise again.

They are yet to taste glory since the resumption of school games in 2022 after the Covid-19 pandemic. Even so, Kangaru coach David Kivuti believes that his charges are ripe for the challenge.

"We started from scratch in 2022 and it has not been easy because it takes time to train and mentor players so they can gain the confidence to play and win on the bigger stage. We have worked very hard and I believe that our efforts will bear fruit," Kivuti said.

He added that though they have struggled in the past two years and played second fiddle to their opponents, they are ready to not only recapture their regional title but also secure their return to the East Africa games.

"We want it all this year. Before Covid, we were regulars at the East Africa games and the boys are yearning to make it this year," he said.

Eastern region will crown a new champion in rugby 7s in absence of last year's winners Kitondo School.

Kangaru, who beat Mutus 38-0 in the Embu County final, will be up against Meru School, Miathene Boys from Meru County, Mukuuni and Chogoria County (Tharaka Nithi), Isiolo Boys, Dakabaricha and Marsabit Mixed from Marsabit County, Muvuti and Manyatta (Machakos) and Makueni's Mbooni Boys and Kasikeu.

Eight schools will face off in girls' rugby 7s.