As we head into the third round of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit, here are a few facts and stats about the Prinsloo 7s taking place at the Nakuru Athletic Club from 4th to 6th August 2023.
The tournament is named after Pete Walter Prinsloo, a rugby enthusiast of South African origin who was part of the game’s revamp in Nakuru in the 80s.
He died from diabetes complications but not before losing two limbs and facing several other complications. He had to go around in a wheelchair but this did not stop his enthusiasm and love for the game.
This year’s event is the fifteenth edition in honour of his efforts and following a very successful premier in October 2007, there should be a lot of fireworks as the SportPesa National 7s Circuit engages into third gear at the Prinsloo Sevens.
The Nakuru and great rift valley region has over the years produced brilliant players including Allan “Shpare” Omuyaku, Pascal Wetukha, Ben Otieno,Jotham Owili, Cyprian Shimenga,Edwin Shimenga , Enos Otieno, Gibson Weru,Vincent Mose, Lawi Buyachi, Oscar Ouma, Nelson Oyoo to name but a few.
These are just some of the players who have been blooded through the Nakuru RFC system, breaking out to become key players in subsequent years.
Successful clubs
With five titles to their name, Mwamba are the most successful team in the tournament’s history, winning the first two editions in 2007 and 2008 before adding more titles in 2010,2011 and 2019.
KCB are a close second on four titles. However, they are the only team at the tournament to have pulled off a three-peat, winning in 2012, 2013 and 2014 before adding their fourth title in 2017.
✔️ Try & Conversion
✔️ Try saving tackleGeoffrey Ominde put in a big shift to lead @NakuruRFC to the 2015 Prinsloo 7s title with a 7-5 victory over @HomeboyzRugby
#Prinsloo7s #SportPesa7s pic.twitter.com/HVgOR3qmX4— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) August 1, 2023
Homeboyz are two time winners of the tournament, having won it in 2016 and 2018 while hosts Nakuru (2015), city rivals Menengai Oilers (2022) and Strathmore Leos ( 2009) round off the list of winners at the Prinsloo 7s.
Ticket sales
Prinsloo 7s tickets are now on sale.
Regular tickets are retailing at Ksh 500 per day ( Saturday & Sunday) while VIP tickets cost Ksh 3000 ( Saturday and Sunday.
How to buy tickets
M-PESA Paybill: 522 533
Account: 329 329
Prinsloo 7s Previous Winners
2007 –Mwamba
2008 – Mwamba
2009 – Strathmore Leos
2010 – Mwamba
2011 – Mwamba
2012 – KCB
2013 –KCB
2014 –KCB
2015 –Nakuru
2016- Homeboyz
2017– KCB
2018 –Homeboyz
2019 – Mwamba
2020 – NOT PLAYED DUE TO COVID19
2021 – NOT PLAYED DUE TO COVID19
2022 – Menengai Oilers
