Stanbic Bank has extended its sponsorship of the Stanbic Bank National 7’s Circuit series for a further year – reaffirming its commitment to the sport of rugby.
Under the new deal, Stanbic Bank has increased the sponsorship to Sh14.35 million up from Sh9 million which goes towards aiding KRU and its partners plan and host the series for the next 10 weeks.
In the new arrangement, the six hosting clubs will each receive Sh1.4million up from Sh1 million received last year and compete for a total purse of combined Sh.1million in the super-charged tourney that runs from July 20th to September 8th 2019.
The popular short version tourney has a purse of Sh 500,000, 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 have one sponsored Women’s tournament, during the #Christie7s, where the Champion will take home Sh100,000.
The fresh financial injection follows Stanbic Bank’s Mwamba RFC’s kit deal extension from to Sh 6million from Sh 3million – increasing its dalliance with Kenya’s fastest growing sport.
According to Abraham Ongenge, Stanbic Bank’s Chief Financial Officer, the bank’s investment in the tournament is aligned to 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 added: “The tournament has put us in the front seat of supporting grassroots initiatives which is already providing value to a new generation keen to develop their skills – that way helping maintaining the men’s rugby ranking and stature at the global and African sphere. The tournament has also allowed us to give rugby and sports fans across the country incredible experiences.”
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“Rugby is one of the sports that Kenyans hold dear to their hearts and we are pleased to renew the Sevens Circuit sponsorship for the next two years.” – @StanbicKE CFO, Abraham Ongenge.#Stanbic7s pic.twitter.com/SPEv7egqEW
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) July 2, 2019
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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.”
“Thank you to @StanbicKE for the reaffirmation of their support for the Local Circuit. We are looking forward to an exciting #Stanbic7s Circuit moreso with the inclusion of the #Kakamega7s leg and #Kabeberi7s in Meru.” – KRU Chairman @Oduorgangla pic.twitter.com/w0V7k5UwIz
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) July 2, 2019
The National Sevens Circuit is an annual series of rugby sevens’ tournaments run by the Kenya Rugby Union in conjunction with host clubs featuring teams from across the country. Teams compete for the National Sevens Circuit title by accumulating points based on their finishing position in each tournament.
Menengai Cream Homeboyz are the reigning Champions of the Stanbic7s having defended the title last year.
-Additional info and photo courtesy of Stanbic Bank
