Defending champions Menengai Oilers will begin their title defense at the Great Rift 10-a-side tournament with a target firmly on their backs after last season’s triumph over fierce rivals Kabras Sugar.
The Nakuru-based side lifted the 2025 title in emphatic fashion, edging Kabras 15-00 in a thrilling final at Nakuru Athletic club.
As they return to the Nakuru Athletic Club for this year’s Easter rugby spectacle, the Gibson Weru led Oilers will be keen to prove that their success was no fluke.
Drawn in Pool A, Oilers will face CUEA Monks, Machakos RFC, and KMTC Nakuru in what appears a manageable group on paper. However, 10s rugby is known for its unpredictability, and any slip could prove costly in the fast-paced format.
Kabras, who will be eager to avenge last year’s heartbreak, headline Pool B, where they are grouped with Mean Machine, TUM Marines, and Eagles Rugby. The Kakamega-based giants remain one of the most consistent sides on the circuit and will be eyeing a return to the final.
Elsewhere, Pool C features KU Blak Blad, KCA University, Rift Valley Polytechnic, and Egerton University, while Pool D brings together Strathmore Leos, KMTC Kisumu, Co-operative University, and Nakuru RFC II.
In Pool E, hosts Nakuru RFC will battle Stallion RFC, Multimedia University, and Ravin Rugby in front of their home crowd, hoping to make a deep run in the knockout stages.
English