Kenya Harlequins stun KCB to win 2024 Driftwood Sevens title

Kenya Harlequin celebrate after winning Driftwood Sevens.[Courtesy]

Kenya Harlequins are the 2024 Driftwood Sevens champions.

Quins emerged victorious, defeating rivals KCB Rugby 15-12 in a closely contested final at the Mombasa Sports Club. The atmosphere was electric as rugby fans packed the venue to witness one of the most anticipated matches in the SportPesa 7s Rugby Circuit.

The win earned the Quins Sh100,000, while KCB Rugby, who fought valiantly, settled for Sh50,000.

The final was a rollercoaster of emotions. KCB Rugby struck early, taking a commanding 12-0 lead with a well-converted try and another unconverted one, putting them firmly in control of the game.

However, the Quins showed their resilience, clawing their way back into the contest with two quick tries, much to the delight of their cheering supporters.

The game hung in the balance, but a late try by the Quins secured the victory, setting the crowd into a frenzy as they celebrated their team’s hard-fought triumph.

For Kenya Harlequins, this win was significant. It marked their second title of the season, having previously lifted the Ingo Sevens trophy in Kakamega.

Their consistent performances throughout the circuit have placed them at the top of the leaderboard with 97 points, making them the favorites to clinch the overall SportPesa 7s title.

Their captain, Richel Wangila, expressed the team’s determination to continue their winning form. "This is our second win, and we’re not slowing down. We’re set to win Prinsloo 7s and the overall title," Wangila declared, highlighting their intent as they head into the next leg.

Meanwhile, last year’s winners, Kabras Rugby Club finished fourth after losing 22-10 to Blak Blad.

Kabras are still very much in the hunt for the overall circuit title, sitting second on the leaderboard with 88 points, just behind Quins. KCB Rugby, despite their loss in the final, are third with 86 points, making the race for the overall title as tight as ever.

Beyond the main competition, the Driftwood 7s also showcased the vibrancy of Kenyan rugby at all levels. In Division Two, NYS 7s were crowned champions, taking home Sh50,000 after an impressive showing throughout the tournament.

The two-division setup allowed fans to witness a mix of top-tier rugby and rising talent from grassroots clubs, creating a unique experience for spectators.

Mombasa’s Governor, His Excellency Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, was among the dignitaries who attended the event. He commended the organizers and highlighted the importance of such tournaments in promoting sportsmanship and fostering community spirit.

"We are proud to host the Driftwood 7s, which not only brings together the best rugby talent but also promotes tourism, competition, and unity among our youth," said the Governor, emphasizing the impact of sports in the region.

The event also underscored SportPesa’s commitment to rugby in Kenya. Speaking on behalf of SportPesa, Mercy Kabui praised the success of the Driftwood 7s and its role in providing a platform for the Kenya Rugby Union to identify new talent.

She also looked ahead to the upcoming Prinsloo 7s, which will be held in Nakuru on September 14-15, and the Safari 7s, scheduled for October.

"Driftwood 7s offers one of the best fan experiences of any leg in the circuit. I congratulate all the participating clubs, and we look forward to more exciting matches at Prinsloo and Safari 7s," said Kabui.

The tournament also marked the launch of the "Tujiamini Initiative," a program powered by SportPesa aimed at nurturing sports talent in Kenya’s Coastal region.

The initiative will focus on developing young athletes and supporting grassroots sports, a critical step in improving the overall quality of rugby and other sports in the country.