Kisii RFC are the 2024/25 KRU Nationwide Champions following a nail-biting 25-24 victory over NYS Spades in a see-saw final held at the NYS Grounds on Saturday.
The triumph comes less than a week after head coach Lee Arstone earned his World Rugby Level One Accreditation in 15s.
Arstone has played a significant role in Kisii region rugby success, having previously guided Kisii School to three National 15s titles, with a runners-up finish in 2025.
Kisii RFC confirmed
With promotion to the Championship already secured, both teams were battling for silverware after impressive runs in their respective leagues.
Kisii RFC struck first, crossing over and converting for a 7-0 lead. NYS Spades responded with a converted try of their own to level the scores at 7-7.
NYS, who had eliminated Kenya Prisons RFC in the semi-finals, regained the lead with an unconverted try. Kisii then cut the deficit with a penalty goal and followed it up with a converted try to take a 17-12 lead.
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NYS bounced back with a converted try to edge ahead 19-17. Kisii answered with a successful drop goal, reclaiming the lead at 20-19.
The former Championship side then extended their lead with another try, making it 25-19. NYS added an unconverted try to close the gap to 25-24, but Kisii RFC held on to their slim advantage to claim the title.
