This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On July 2, 2019, Stanbic Bank announced that it has extended its sponsorship of the National Sevens Circuit series for a further year, reaffirming its commitment to the sport of rugby.
The bank has increased its sponsorship to Sh14.35 million, up from Sh9 million, which will aid the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and its partners in planning and hosting the series for the next 10 weeks.
Under the new deal, the six hosting clubs will each receive Sh1.4 million, up from Sh1 million received last year, and compete for a total purse of Sh1 million in the super-charged tourney that runs from July 20 to September 8, 2019.
The popular short version tourney has a purse of Sh500,000, Sh250,000, and Sh150,000 respectively for the champions, runners-up, and second runners-up, while Division 2 champions and runners-up will claim Sh150,000 and Sh50,000 respectively.
The Circuit will also have one sponsored Women's tournament during the #Christie7s, where the Champion will take home Sh100,000.
According to Abraham Ongenge, Stanbic Bank's Chief Financial Officer, the bank's investment in the tournament is aligned to the continuous pursuit of promoting a homegrown agenda through people and rugby.
“This investment has contributed to a thriving sports economy ecosystem demonstrable in the socio-economic impact across sport, business, and youth in the years we've worked with Kenya Rugby Union,” he said.
Kenya Rugby Union Chairman Oduor Gangla said: “These are very exciting times for our sport, and this deal will hugely benefit sevens rugby game. The renewal of a market leader in the banking industry as title sponsor of the National Sevens Circuit further demonstrates the confidence that corporates have in rugby in building the sports economy.”
