The road to the eleventh edition of Western Blackrock 7s tournament is officially taking shape after the release of the tournament poolings, with schools from across the region preparing for what is expected to be a highly competitive championship.
The two day event set to take place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th at Mukumu boys high school has been divided into five pools, each carrying its own interesting matchups and rivalries as teams look to secure places in the knockout stages.
Pool A features defending champions Senende, Otieno Oyoo, St Lukes Kimilili, and Mukumu Cubs.
In Pool B, KSSSA 15 finalists Kakamega school headlines a tough group that also includes Chebuyusi, St Anthony Kitale, and Friends Poroko. Kakamega will attract attention given their strong rugby tradition, but their opponents are equally determined to prove themselves on the big stage.
Pool C brings together hosts Mukumu Lions, Agoro Sare, Jans Academy, and Vihiga Vipers. The group has a good balance of experienced sides and upcoming teams eager to make a name for themselves.
Elsewhere, Pool D will see Esalwa, Friends Bokoli, Mwira, and Kolanya battle for supremacy. With most of the teams familiar with each other from previous school competitions, the encounters are likely to be intense and fiercely fought.
Pool E completes the lineup with Kimobo, Vihiga, Butula, and Wanarungu. The pool appears evenly balanced on paper, meaning every point scored or conceded could play a major role in deciding qualification spots.
Beyond the competition itself, the Blackrock Boys Rugby tournament continues to provide an important platform for identifying and nurturing young rugby talent. Over the years, school competitions such as these have helped shape players who later go on to represent clubs and national teams.
Pool A
Senende
Otieno Oyoo
St Lukes Kimilili
Mukumu Cubs
Pool B
Kakamega School
Chebuyusi
St Anthony Kitale
Friends Poroko
Pool C
Mukumu Lions
Agoro Sare
Jans Academy
Vihiga Vipers
Pool D
Esalwa
Friends Bokoli
Mwira
Kolanya
Pool E
Kimobo
Vihiga
Butula
Wanarungu