Defending National Sevens Circuit champions KCB Rugby are targeting a winning start to their 2026 campaign when they take to the field at the Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru this weekend.
The bankers begin the new season with the objective of reclaiming the Nakuru title after finishing runners-up in last year’s tournament. KCB fell 26-7 to Strathmore Leos in the Main Cup final but went on to produce an outstanding campaign that saw them crowned overall circuit champions.
Speaking after a training session at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka, Head Coach Andrew Amonde expressed confidence in his squad ahead of the opening leg.
“We are excited to get back into competitive rugby and begin another National Sevens Circuit campaign. The players have put in a tremendous amount of work during pre-season, and the focus now is to translate that preparation into strong performances on the pitch. We know the competition will be tough from the very first tournament, but our ambition is to start the season positively and challenge for the Prinsloo 7s title,” said Amonde.
KCB enter the tournament as the team to beat after enjoying one of the most dominant seasons in the history of the National Sevens Circuit.
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The bankers secured the 2025 overall circuit title at the Dala 7s in Kisumu, defeating arch-rivals Kabras Sugar 12-5 in the final to lift the tournament trophy and wrap up the championship. Their consistency throughout the six-leg series saw them amass a record-breaking 126 points, the highest tally recorded in the competition, cementing their place at the top of the standings.
Club captain Elvis Olukusi believes last season’s success will count for little as the team embarks on another demanding campaign.
“Winning the overall circuit last season was a special achievement for everyone involved with the club, but that is now behind us. Every new season presents fresh challenges and new opportunities. We know what it takes to compete at the highest level, and the objective is to begin strongly at Prinsloo 7s. The team is hungry, focused, and determined to fight for the title this weekend.”
KCB have further strengthened their squad ahead of the new season with the addition of Kenya internationals Nygel Amaitsa, who joins from Strathmore Leos, and David Nyangige, formerly of Impala RFC. Both new signings are in line to make their competitive debuts for the Andrew Amonde-coached side in Nakuru.
Following the Prinsloo 7s, the circuit will move to Kisumu for the Dala 7s, scheduled for August 1–2, 2026, where KCB will continue their quest to successfully defend the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit title.
