The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) was officially formed in 1921, and it has played a significant role in developing rugby in the country. The national team, known as the “Simbas,” made its international debut in 1954. Kenya’s rugby scene is divided into the 15s and the highly popular 7s formats, with the latter gaining international recognition.
Kenya’s rugby achievements, especially in the sevens format, have been remarkable. The national sevens team reached a historic victory in 2016, clinching the Singapore Sevens title by defeating Fiji 30-7 in the final. They have also competed at the Rugby World Cup Sevens multiple times, finishing as high as 3rd in 2009. Furthermore, Collins Injera, one of Kenya’s most celebrated players, holds the world record for tries scored in the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Domestically, the Kenya Rugby Union organizes major tournaments such as the Kenya Cup, the premier 15s league, and the Safari Sevens, which has grown into a prestigious annual event that attracts top international teams. The union continues to support youth development programs and has seen the rise of competitive rugby clubs like Kenya Harlequins, KCB Rugby, and Homeboyz RFC.