The 36th edition of the Driftwood 7s has been hailed as a success, with organisers saying the tournament continues to demonstrate that rugby is more than just what happens on the pitch.
Held at the Mombasa Sports Club over the weekend, the tournament brought together some of Kenya’s top rugby clubs for a weekend of competitive action, while thousands of fans turned up to enjoy both the sport and a rich entertainment package.
Kabras Sugar crowned their successful campaign by rallying to beat KCB 15-5 in the final, completing a memorable comeback to lift the Driftwood 7s title.
Speaking to Two5Four Sports after the tournament, Driftwood 7s Commercial Director Teddy Ndemo described the latest edition as a success, pointing to the growing commercial appeal of the tournament as one of the major highlights.
Ndemo said the arrival of new partners, including Kenya’s leading Oil marketers TotalEnergies, was a major plus for the tournament and an indication of the confidence brands have in the Driftwood 7s platform.
“The tournament has been successful. Having new partners like TotalEnergies coming on board is a big plus for us. It shows that people are seeing the value in Driftwood 7s and what we are trying to achieve,” Ndemo told Two5Four Sports.
The 36th edition also reinforced the tournament’s reputation as more than a rugby competition, with organisers blending sport and entertainment to create a festival-like atmosphere at the Mombasa Sports Club.
Renowned Kenyan artistes Charisma and Ben Sol were among the performers who entertained fans, while popular DJs kept thousands of attendees on their feet throughout the weekend.
The combination of high-level rugby, music and entertainment attracted a diverse crowd, including rugby enthusiasts, families, young fans and casual spectators who came to experience the atmosphere surrounding one of Kenya’s longest-running rugby tournaments.
For Ndemo, the growing entertainment component is part of a broader vision for Driftwood 7s, which seeks to position the tournament as an experience that appeals beyond the traditional rugby audience.
The success of the 36th edition, capped by Kabras’ triumph, could provide a strong foundation for an even bigger tournament in the coming years, particularly as more corporate partners recognise the commercial and social opportunities that come with rugby events.
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