What Kenyan fans can expect in 2025’s rugby action
Kenyan rugby enthusiasts are bracing for a year packed with action, with the 2025 season set to feature major events both locally and internationally. From the Kenya Cup battles to World Cup qualifiers in the Rugby Africa Cup, the calendar offers plenty to look forward to.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be an exhilarating one for rugby fans, with a packed schedule featuring local and international tournaments. From the fiercely contested Kenya Cup to the high-stakes Rugby Africa Cup, there’s plenty to look forward to.
KENYA CUP
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The 2023/24 season thrilled fans as Kabras Sugar emerged champions. The upcoming 2024/25 season promises even more drama, with Kabras set to defend their title against formidable rivals.
Action kicks off on January 11, 2025, with an exciting derby between Kenya Harlequin and Impala RFC. Meanwhile, Nakuru will host Oilers for the much-anticipated Nakuru Derby. The season will culminate in the playoffs on March 22, followed by the semi-finals on March 29 and the final on April 12.
ENTERPRISE CUP
In a departure from tradition, the Enterprise Cup will run concurrently with the Kenya Cup this season. Kabras RFC, the reigning champions, aim to secure their fourth consecutive title after defeating KCB 32-20 in last year’s final at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
The quarterfinals are slated for February 8, followed by semi-finals on March 8 and the grand final on March 19. Pre-quarter matches wrapped up on December 14, 2024.
HSBC WORLD RUGBY SEVENS CHALLENGER SERIES 2025
The HSBC Sevens Challenger Series kicks off with back-to-back events in Cape Town on March 1–2 and March 7–8. The top eight men’s and women’s teams will then compete in the final leg in Krakow, Poland, on April 11–12.
Kenya Lionesses will proudly represent the country among the 11 women’s teams in the competition.
WORLD SEVEN SERIES
Kenya Sevens made a strong return to the World Seven Series last November, climbing from 10th to 7th place. The series continues in 2025 with its next stop in Perth, Australia, on January 24–26, before moving to Vancouver, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
RUGBY AFRICA CUP
As a crucial qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the Rugby Africa Cup will be held in Uganda. Competing nations include Zimbabwe, Algeria, Namibia, Kenya, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, all vying for a spot on the global stage.
