The 59th edition of the Christie 7s came to a close on Sunday evening at the RFUEA Grounds Nairobi, serving up both thrills on the pitch and valuable lessons off it. As the 2025 National Sevens Circuit (NSC) continues to gather momentum, here are some key TAKEAWAYS from the weekend in Nairobi.
1. KCB Cement Their Status as the Benchmark
The “Bankers” have made the Christie 7s final their own once again. With a clinical 19-07 win over Menengai Oilers, KCB underlined why they remain the team to beat this season. Their consistency has been unmatched, three straight finals since the NSC kicked off. Victory at Driftwood, a loss to Strathmore Leos in Prinsloo, and now a dominant Christie triumph. With enviable squad depth and a tried-and-tested system, Denis Mwanja’s charges have their sights firmly set on Embu 7s, and the rest of the field knows they will have to bring their very best to stop them.
2. Streaming and Fan Engagement Lessons
If there was one sore point from Christie, it was the live stream. Unlike Driftwood and Prinsloo, both carried by title sponsors SportPesa,this leg opted for a paid streaming service charging Shs 175 a day or Shs 300 for the weekend. The backlash was immediate. Many fans complained about the poor quality and lack of accessibility, forcing hosts Kenya Harlequin to issue a statement mid-tournament, eventually allowing free streaming.
The after-party also left fans disgruntled, with music cut off at 8 p.m. despite regular tickets going for Sh650 and VIPs parting with Sh3,000. Fans deserve value for their money, and organizers across the circuit will need to find a better balance between monetization and the overall fan experience.
3. A Win on Ticketing and Kids’ Experience
Not all was doom and gloom on the organizational front. Ticketing was smooth, a huge plus given the chaos often seen at big rugby events. The introduction of a kids’ section was also a welcome touch, providing a safe and fun space for young fans to enjoy the sport. This is an initiative that should not only be retained but also expanded in future tournaments, it reflects well on the growth of rugby as a family sport.
4. Division Two Still Neglected
One area that continues to be overlooked is Division Two. For years, the second-tier teams have operated in the shadows, with little to no visibility in terms of real-time results or coverage. Yet, it is in this division that many of Kenya’s top talents have cut their teeth before breaking into the big stage. If the Union and hosting clubs are serious about nurturing the future of the game, then Division Two deserves better organization, communication, and recognition.
The Christie 7s, as always, delivered an entertaining rugby, But as the dust settles, the tournament leaves behind vital lessons on consistency, fan engagement, and grassroots development.
With the fourth round, theEmbu 7s just around the corner, the hope is that organizers and stakeholders will take these lessons to heart to make the circuit stronger and more inclusive.
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