Ofafa Jericho’s Steve Otieno (L) tackles Mike Kuria (R) of Upper Hill during Nairobi region qualifiers held at Lenana School on August 28, 2022.
A total of 16 schools from different corners of the country will square it out in rugby 7s at the 2022 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) term two national games slated for Thursday September 8 to September 11.
This time round, little-known schools shocked rugby 7s powerhouses to book a ticket for the games which will be staged in Nakuru.
Some of the giants who failed to make it to the nationals include St. Peters Mumias, Kakamega high School, Mangu High and Maseno School.
Also Read: Injera Recalled to Shujaa Squad for 2022 Rugby World Cup
Western region will be represented by entirely different schools this season. Koyonzo and Butula high schools upset giants in the region to book the national ticket.
Koyonzo hammered Butula 26-5 in the final which was staged at St. Peters Mumias High school.
Nairobi region's hopes will bank on Ofafa Jericho and Upper Hill while Kangaru Boys and All Saints will represent Eastern Region.
Nanyuki High School clinched the Rift Valley region title after beating Menengai high in a match which was decided by drop kicks. The two schools tied 7-7 before Nanyuki showed nerves of steel to win 3-0 in the drop kicks.
Rift Valley will have four representatives by virtue of being the hosts and due to vast nature of the region.
Also Read: Emmanuel Olume: Kenyan High School Student Sought by 3 Top Rugby Clubs
In the Nyanza region, St. Mary’s Yala overcame their arch-rivals Maseno school in a closely contested semi-final before beating Nduru boys to emerge champions. Yala beat Maseno 14-5 before edging out Nduru boys 12-7.
High-flying Shimba Hills thrashed Mazeras 36-0 to emerge the Coastal region winners.
The best schools at the national games will proceed to the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Association (FEASSSA) scheduled to begin on September 14 in Arusha, Tanzania.
Complete list schools that have qualified
Nairobi: Upper Hill, Ofafa Jericho
Nyanza: Nduru, St. Mary’s Yala
Rift Valley: Menengai, Nanyuki, Kabianga, Ngong Township
Western: Koyonzo, Butula
Central: Magumu, Alliance
Coast: Shimba Hills, Mazeras
Eastern: Kang’aru, All Saints
Also Read: 5 Times Shujaa Have Participated in the World Cup