The 38th edition of the Impala Floodlit rugby tournament returns after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The tournament was last played in 2019 before the onset of the pandemic. The tournament will take place between October 29 and November 12 at the Impala Club.
The event has traditionally been played as the curtain-raiser for the rugby fifteens season. Impala RFC chairman, Charles Ngovi, said he is delighted to announce the return of the hugely popular tournament.
“The tournament, which has traditionally been played as the curtain raiser for the rugby fifteens season, will make a return after a two-year hiatus occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
He added: “This year’s edition will feature a total of 22 teams, battling in three categories this —ladies, universities and clubs."
University and clubs categories will have eight teams each drawn from the Kenya Cup, Championship and Nationwide leagues while the ladies’ category will have six teams.
The tournament's director, Daniel Ndaba gave an update on the preparations for the event and what fans can look forward to.
“With a month to go, our preparations are in top gear to deliver a world-class tournament and experience to the fans, players, and our partners.”
“We will have a top-flight lineup of teams that will be announced to you during the tournament draw on October 21. We are also in advanced discussions with our partners to ensure that we deliver a world-class experience both on and off the pitch,” he added.
Advance tickets to the tournament are now available at Sh300 for each of the first two weekends, with tickets to the final weekend going for Sh400
KCB are the defending champions of the tournament after beating Menengai Oilers 23-14 in the final.
The bankers have won the title eight times with the first crown coming in 2005 and further wins in 2007, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018.
Mean Machine have won the highest number of tournaments with nine while Impala are third on seven.
