Girls' rugby 7's to be introduced in schools calendar next year

The development of women’s rugby 7's in Kenya has been boosted following the introduction of the game in the school’s calendar.

The Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations, (FEASSSA) announced plans to introduce the short version of the competition for school girls in 2024.

“The girls 7's school teams from member associations will compete in the 2024 FEASSSA Games. This decision will go a long way in promoting the new sport among the member countries,” FEASSA said in a statement posted on their social media pages.

In Kenya, the game will be played in the first term alongside the boys' competition.

Currently, only boys feature in the rugby 7's and 15's categories.

On Sunday, KRU welcomed the introduction of the game in the school’s calendar saying it’s a big stride in the development of women’s rugby. “It’s a step in the right direction,” said KRU’s Nyanza region development officer Joseph Okong’o.

At the same time, St Mary’s Mabera Girls will represent Nyanza at the national girl’s rugby 7’s championships to be held in Nakuru on October 7 and 8.

Mabera emerged Nyanza region champions after beating Aluor 36-0 in the final of the regional championships held at Rae Primary School in Kisumu County on Saturday.

In the preliminaries, Mabera beat Aluor 31-5 while in the second game, Mabera overcame Nyakongo 37-0. In another game, Aluor saw off Nyakongo 10-0.

During the nationals, Nairobi, Coast, Central, Nyanza, North Rift and Western regions will be represented by one team each while South Rift will be represented by two. Participating students must be under 19 years.