Kenya Exiles clinched the Cape Fear 7s title over the weekend in Wilmington, North Carolina, with an impressive run that ended in a 29-12 victory over Pit Vipers in the final.
The Exiles squad featured several former Kenya 7s players, including Timothy Mmasi, Harold Anduvate, Samuel Muregi, and Eric Ombasa. They were joined by Dan Abounji and team captain Lucas Atito.
In the final, the Exiles displayed a dominant performance to overcome Pit Vipers with five tries and two being converted.
Earlier in the knockout stages, they edged out FAR Dragons courtesy of a solitary converted try.
Their group stage campaign on Saturday was equally impressive. They opened with a 17-7 win over Queen City Clowns, followed it up with a commanding 40-7 victory against Virginia RFC, and wrapped up the day with a 43-7 rout of All Navy.
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In the social category, Wazalendo—featuring players from Wazee’s team—made it to the semifinals, flying the Kenyan flag high in multiple categories.
The event attracted a strong Kenyan presence in the stands, with top entertainers DJ Grauchi, DJ Shinski, and DJ Yahuu entertaining the crowd and adding to the lively atmosphere.
Cape Fear 7s is one of the most storied rugby tournaments in the United States. The first edition took place during the July 4th weekend of 1975, hosted by the then newly formed Cape Fear RFC.
The original tournament featured 16 teams in a single-elimination format, with the University of Virginia emerging as champions after defeating Norfolk Old Blue in the final. The tournament expanded beyond 16 teams in 1980 and continues to celebrate rugby, the Carolina coast, and American independence.
