The Blackrock Rugby Festival, a longstanding Kenyan school rugby tradition, returns Saturday with its first-ever seven-a-side competition after a two-year pause. The 37th edition will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St Mary’s School in Nairobi, featuring 12 participating teams.
Tournament coordinator Gregory Sang explained the format change as a response to schools rebuilding their squads post-COVID-19. "Schools are gradually regrouping and are not yet fully prepared for the longer version of the game," Sang said. "We anticipate an exciting day of competition despite the extended break."
St Mary’s School, the most successful team with 10 titles, last won in 2011. Rift Valley Academy (RVA), with eight championships, claimed its most recent victory in 2017. The lineup includes Ofafa Jericho High School (2018 champions), Nairobi School (inaugural 1983 winners), Strathmore (2008 champions), Lenana School (three-time winner), and Upper Hill School (2009 champions).
Reigning champions Mutuini and Dagoretti High School will also compete. Teams will be split into four pools, with top two advancing to Cup quarter-finals. Losers of the Cup quarters will play in Plate semi-finals, while third-place pool teams face off in Bowl semi-finals.
The festival has historically served as a talent pipeline for Kenyan rugby. Notable alumni include former internationals Allan Hicks and Innocent Simiyu, who captained both Kenya 15s and Kenya Sevens teams.
