How DBA Africa's Futures Cup is transforming young rugby talent in Kenya

Young rugby players with their respective teams at the DBA Africa sponsored Futures Cup. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

This weekend, the lush fields of Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar RFC in Western Kenya buzzed with youthful energy as the second round of the DBA Africa’s Futures Cup rugby tournament unfolded.

The Futures Cup, now in its second year, is quickly becoming a cornerstone for developing junior rugby talent across Kenya and beyond.

Launched by DBA Africa, a social enterprise dedicated to sports development, the tournament is designed to provide a clear pathway for U15 players to progress in the sport, with the added incentive of potential scholarships and international exposure.

DBA Africa’s involvement in the Futures Cup goes beyond merely organizing games. The organization has meticulously structured the tournament to ensure that it serves as a breeding ground for future rugby stars.

The tournament's format is both rigorous and inclusive: seven regions in Kenya, along with an invitational team from Kampala, hold trials over three months. From these trials, regional teams are selected, training weekly in the lead-up to the tournament.

This year, the format was modified to include three regional mini-tournaments, culminating in a final competition to determine the overall winner.

The tournament's significance extends beyond national borders. DBA scouts are present at every match, not just to assess talent but to select a Dream Team—a group of standout players who will train intensively before touring Uganda as the U16 DBA Futures Cup Team in 2025.

This level of commitment and organization is already yielding results. Last year, nine players from the Futures Cup were awarded rugby scholarships, and this year's competition promises to open even more doors for young athletes.

A key partner in this initiative is Kabras RFC, a club with a storied history of nurturing rugby talent in Western Kenya. This weekend, Kabras RFC hosted the Western leg of the Futures Cup, featuring teams like the Western Wanderers, Nyanza Hurricanes, and the Kampala Giants.

The matches were fiercely contested, with the Kampala Giants emerging as the overall winners, having secured two wins out of three games. The level of play was exceptional, highlighting the effectiveness of age-grade and pathway rugby programs in the region.

DBA Africa’s partnership with Kabras RFC is a testament to the club’s enduring commitment to rugby development. Kabras has consistently invested in grassroots programs, contributing to the success of affiliate schools in both national and East African competitions. "Partnering with Kabras Sugar was a real honor," said DBA Founder Storm Trentham.

"They have shown over the years their commitment to the development of rugby in the region, which can be seen through the performances of affiliate schools in the national and East Africa region games."

As Western Kenya gears up to host the Schools East Africa Games next year, the importance of continuing to develop age-grade rugby in the region cannot be overstated. The Futures Cup serves as a critical stepping stone for young players, offering them a chance to hone their skills and gain exposure at higher levels of competition.

The involvement of clubs like Kabras RFC ensures that the region remains a stronghold for rugby talent, capable of competing on both national and international stages.

Looking ahead, the tournament’s final leg in December will not only determine the overall winner but will also feature the first-ever girls' Futures Cup tournament.

This inclusion marks a significant step forward in promoting gender equality in sports and expanding the opportunities available to young athletes across Kenya.

Through strategic partnerships and a focus on grassroots development, DBA Africa and Kabras RFC are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Kenyan rugby.