Over the years, the Safari Sevens has produced moments of magic, heartbreak, and unforgettable rugby drama. From the rise of local heroes to the dominance of touring teams, here’s a look back at six finals that have stood out in the tournament’s rich history.
1997 – Kenya’s First Title
In 1997, a confident Kenya side coached by Ham Onsando claimed their first-ever Safari Sevens title with a commanding 47-7 victory over Cumbria. The team, led by the flamboyant Sammy Khakame, played with flair and rhythm, featuring talents like Jeff Tolo, Felix Ochieng, Manu Okoth, Andrew Ondiek, Paul Murunga, and Steve Gichuki among others. Their emphatic win marked the beginning of Kenya’s proud tradition at the tournament.
2000 – Shujaa’s Coming of Age
The 2000 edition saw Shujaa — then Kenya’s second-string team — edge Bristol University 26-24 in a nail-biting final. With players such as Tony Ongoro, Arthur Indeche, Andrew “Smudge” Smith, and Jeff Vilembwa, the youthful side showcased Kenya’s growing depth in sevens rugby. This tournament was held alongside the 2001 Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifiers, where Kenya’s main team booked their ticket to Argentina.
2001 – Fijian Flair for the British Army
In 2001, the British Army, bolstered by a handful of Fijian stars, triumphed 45-26 over a luckless Bristol University side in one of the most thrilling finals in Safari Sevens history. Bristol, appearing in their third straight final, led 26-24 before the British Army launched a late surge — scoring three unanswered converted tries to claim their first Robin Cahill Trophy.
2006 – Emerging Boks Survive Zimbabwe Scare
The 2006 final saw the Emerging Springboks claim their maiden title after surviving a spirited challenge from Zimbabwe. Despite Tangai “Too Bad” Nemadire’s outstanding hat-trick, the South Africans held on for a 26-22 win in a fiercely contested encounter that underscored the growing competitiveness of African sevens rugby.
2010 – Ashioya’s Last-Minute Heroics
Rain couldn’t dampen the drama at the RFUEA Ground in 2010. With the scores locked at 12-12 against the Emerging Boks, Kenya’s Sidney Ashioya reacted quickest to a clever grubber kick from Gibson Weru, grounding the ball for a match-winning try. The 17-12 victory sparked wild celebrations as Kenya retained the Safari Sevens crown in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
2019 – Morans Shock the Blitzboks
The 2019 final delivered one of the tournament’s most iconic upsets. The Kenya Morans — the second string Kenya team at this tournament — stunned a full-strength South Africa Blitzboks side 19-14. The Morans raced to a 19-0 halftime lead through tries from Geoffrey Okwach, Johnstone Olindi, and Jeff Oluoch. Despite a fierce South African comeback, the Morans held their nerve to clinch a famous victory as the RFUEA erupted in jubilation.
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