Nairobi, Kenya — September 13, 2026
The 60th edition of the Christie 7s enters its decisive stage today as the final leg of the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit reaches the knockout rounds at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
After a fiercely contested opening day, eight teams remain in the Division One Main Cup competition, with defending champions KCB Rugby and rivals Kabras Sugar among the sides still chasing the tournament title and the overall National Sevens Circuit crown.
KCB finished the opening day unbeaten at the top of Pool A, while Kabras also maintained a perfect record in Pool B. Menengai Oilers and Daystar Falcons completed the list of four pool winners.
KCB face NYS Spades
KCB Rugby will open the Main Cup quarter-finals against NYS Spades.
The defending champions were dominant on Saturday, recording victories over MMUST, Club Afrique and hosts Kenya Harlequin.
KCB began their campaign with a 40–5 win over MMUST before defeating Club Afrique by the same scoreline. They then completed their pool campaign with a 20–7 victory over Kenya Harlequin.
NYS Spades, meanwhile, secured their quarter-final place after winning two of their three pool matches. Their 12–10 victory over Mean Machine in their final pool match confirmed their progression.
Spades will now attempt to produce one of the biggest upsets of the tournament against the defending champions.
Kabras face dangerous Club Afrique
Kabras Sugar will meet Club Afrique in another quarter-final that could provide plenty of entertainment.
Kabras went unbeaten through Pool B, defeating NYS Spades 12–5, Mean Machine 22–7 and KU BlakBlad 19–7.
However, Club Afrique have already demonstrated that they are capable of upsetting established sides.
They opened the tournament with a 26–19 victory over Kenya Harlequin before progressing to the quarter-finals as Pool A runners-up.
For Kabras, the match carries significance beyond the Christie 7s trophy.
The Sugarmen are still mathematically in contention for the overall National Sevens Circuit championship and need a strong finish in Nairobi to put pressure on KCB.
Oilers and Mwamba set for another battle
Menengai Oilers face Mwamba RFC in the third quarter-final.
Oilers were one of the most consistent teams on Saturday, topping Pool C after victories over Strathmore Leos, Kisumu RFC and Nondescripts.
Mwamba, meanwhile, progressed from Pool D alongside Daystar Falcons.
The clash brings together two sides with plenty of attacking ability and could develop into one of the closest quarter-finals of the morning.
Daystar Falcons face Strathmore Leos
The final quarter-final will see Daystar Falcons take on Strathmore Leos in an all-university encounter.
Daystar produced some of the most eye-catching performances on the opening day.
They began with a 44–0 demolition of Embu RFC and followed it with a 46–10 victory over Impala before defeating Mwamba 33–12 to finish unbeaten at the top of Pool D.
Strathmore Leos also impressed, finishing second in Pool C after victories over Nondescripts and Kisumu RFC.
The university rivalry adds another layer of intrigue to Sunday’s knockout action.
The bigger prize: the National Sevens Circuit
While teams are fighting for the Christie 7s trophy, the weekend also represents the conclusion of the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit.
KCB entered the final leg with 98 points, six ahead of Kabras Sugar on 92, making the two clubs the main contenders for the overall championship.
That makes every knockout match particularly important.
KCB’s route to the overall title depends on maintaining their advantage, while Kabras need to go deep into the tournament — and preferably reach the final — to keep their championship hopes alive.
A historic Christie 7s weekend
This year’s Christie 7s is particularly significant as the tournament celebrates its 60th edition.
The competition has brought together Division One, Division Two and women’s teams for a weekend celebrating one of Kenya’s longest-running rugby sevens tournaments.
With the pool stage now complete, the pressure rises considerably.
The quarter-finals will determine which teams advance to the final four, while the semi-finals and final will ultimately decide who leaves the RFUEA Grounds with the Christie 7s crown.
For KCB and Kabras, however, there is an even bigger prize waiting at the end of the weekend — the 2026 SportPesa National Sevens Circuit championship.
The battle for the crown is now down to the final matches.
Christie 7s Main Cup Quarter-finals
- KCB Rugby vs NYS Spades
- Kabras Sugar RFC vs Club Afrique
- Menengai Oilers vs Mwamba RFC
- Daystar Falcons vs Strathmore Leos
The action continues today at the RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi.
Reporting by Penta Media.