Showdown looms as Rugby Super Series makes comeback after ten-year absence

Friday 15 March 2024 marked a significant moment in the Kenyan rugby fraternity as the Kenya Rugby Union announced the return of the Rugby Super Series (RSS) after a decade-long break.

In the newly revamped tournament, the 2024 Rugby Super Series will feature two women’s teams for the first time since its inception in 2003 and four men’s franchise sides with the matches set to be alternating between Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kakamega starting in May.

The men’s teams representing Kenya Cup Clubs will include Buffaloes, Cheetahs, Lions, and Rhinos, while the women’s teams, which will be drawn from the national Lionesses squad, will compete as Eagles and Jaguars.

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The Rugby Super Series will see the men’s teams facing off against each other over the first three match days with the top two teams advancing to the final. \

The women’s matches will be held in Kakamega and Nairobi with winners determined by aggregate scores over two games.

Speaking during the launch, Aggrey Chabeda, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Rugby Super Series, indicated that the tournament will help nurture talents and promote sports culture in the country.

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“As the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, I am thrilled to be part of this momentous occasion and to share our vision for the future of the tournament. This tournament has a rich history and has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Kenya XV’s rugby.

We are thrilled to bring it back to life and to provide a platform for our top players to showcase their talent on the national stage once again," Chabeda stated.

Chabeda banked on the tournament to catapult Kenya towards its first-ever Rugby World Cup appearance as he outlined the primary aims of the tournament which will be focusing on elevating standards of play, managing the tournament professionally and commercially, and creating a family-friendly entertainment environment.

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“The primary aims of the tournament is to elevate the standards of play for our top players, manage the tournament in a professional and commercially viable manner, and to create an environment for family entertainment,” he said.

“The re-launch of the Rugby Super Series signifies a new era for Kenyan rugby, characterized by professionalism, excitement, and growth. We invite all rugby fans and stakeholders, including the media, to join us in this journey,” added Chabeda.

Further details regarding team formation, coaching staff, and club compositions will be announced in due course.

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