SCHOOLS: All Saints Embu prayers cast out Butula to win national rugby 15s title

Rugby
By Washington Onyango | Apr 13, 2024
Butula Boys High School's Michael Lukusi is tackled by All Saints High School during Kenya Secondary Schools sports Association Rugby match Term One games in Machakos County. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

All Saints Embu are the 2024 Brookside KSSSA national rugby 15s champions.

The Eastern region champions came from 10-3 down at half time to dethrone Butula Boys High School 12-10 and win the national title for the first time in their history.

Butula struck first with a try from full back Michael Lukusi but the conversion attempt was unsuccessful due to the muddy grounds at Machakos Boys High School caused by the heavy rains witnessed on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Adrian Kwesa stretched the scores to 10-0 moments later after dancing his way to touch down over the whitewash before All Saints responded through their captain Brian Oyugi who split the posts with a well taken penalty despite the muddy conditions to trail 10-3.

In the final half, All Saints’s restored to the kicking game and their tactics worked as Stanley Karanja converted three penalties to win 12-10.

Missed conversions for Butula costed the Western Region heavyweights the national title as All Saints won their first ever trophy.

Speaking after the win, Benson Mwenda thanked the boys for their never die spirit as he promised even better rugby in August when the team moves to Mbale, Uganda for the East Africa games.

“We played well today despite the conditions. It’s no excuse because both teams faced the same challenges and it was all down to tactics and skills to win the match.

“I am proud of the boys and now our story begins because we have the talent to show East Africa that we can play rugby,” said Mwenda.

Both All Saints and Butula will be joined by Kitondo School in Uganda next term after the Eastern Region runners up grabbed the last ticket to Mbale.

Kitondo saw off former champions Lenana School from Nairobi 14-9 to win bronze in the third place playoffs.

Share this story
Asati and Ooro to lead Shujaa ahead of World Rugby Sevens Series return
Vincent Onyala and Anthony Omondi miss out due to contract issues.
Faith Kipyegon awarded Honorary Doctor of Education Degree
Triple-Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education by the University of Eldoret, acknowledging her unparalleled contributions to athletics.
Mashemeji Derby postponed due to lack of suitable venue
Kenya’s most iconic football clash, the Mashemeji Derby, has been postponed indefinitely due to a lack of a suitable venue.
Former champions Standard FC out to reclaim Road to Anfield title
The tournament will be graced by Liverpool FC legend Jason McAteer who will preside over the battle for the sole ticket to represent Kenya at the famous Anfield.
Trucha wants derby to be AFC Leopards' turning point
AFC Leopards head coach Thomas Trucha leads his charges into the game as a man under immense pressure, as the club has only won one of its last five matches.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS