Pioneer Gilgil Ladies rugby team are gearing up for a stern test at the inaugural 2026 KRU Women’s 10-Aside Tournament, set for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi.
The Gilgil-based side has been drawn into Pool A, alongside record Kenya Cup champions Mwamba Ladies, Quins Queens, NYS Spades, and Murang’a Ladies, in what promises to be a highly competitive group featuring established women’s rugby outfits.
Pool B will see Northern Suburbs, Blad Babes, NYS Scorpions, Kiamba Ladies, and Kisii University battle it out for knockout qualification, highlighting the growing depth and geographical spread of women’s rugby in Kenya.
Pioneer Gilgil, one of the fast-rising teams from the Rift Valley, head into the tournament eager to measure themselves against top-tier opposition and continue their steady development on the national stage.
Speaking to Two5four Rugby ahead of the competition, Pioneer Gilgil head coach Allan Bush expressed confidence in his squad’s preparation and mindset.
“This tournament comes at a very good time for us. The players have worked hard in training and they’re hungry to test themselves against strong sides like Mwamba and Quins. Our focus is on discipline, fitness and executing our basics well,” said Bush.
Bush added that beyond results, the exposure is vital for his players’ growth as most of them are students preparing for KSSSA games.
“For teams like Pioneer Gilgil, these competitions are very important. They give our players belief, experience and visibility. We want to compete, but we also want to show that women’s rugby outside Nairobi is growing and can match the best,” he added.
POOL A
Mwamba
Quins Queens
NYS Spades
Pioneer Gilgil
Murang’a Ladies
POOL B
Northern Suburbs
Blad Babes
NYS Scorpions
Kiamba Ladies
Kisii University
English