Kenya Under-20 players in action against Tunisia during the Barthes Cup last year in Harare/FILE

Kenya Rugby Union will introduce an Under-20 Sevens tournament in July, to run alongside the National Sevens Circuit.

Speaking on Tuesday, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Development Officer Ronald Okoth said the union is keen to create depth and clear pathways for young players to progress to the national sevens team, Shujaa, in the future.

“We are looking at having a structured pathway for upcoming sevens players and providing them with an opportunity to showcase their talent,” said Okoth.

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He added that the initiative will help expand the national talent pool.

“We have lots of talented players who do not always get the opportunity and, as you are aware, we already have an Under-20 15s team. So it goes without saying that we must also have a Sevens pathway to Shujaa for future competitions,” noted Okoth.

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Drawing comparisons with established rugby nations, Okoth emphasised the importance of long-term development structures.

“If you look at the big nations in the sport, a pathway is already established for upcoming talent to be nurtured and developed. As a union, we need to follow a similar path,” he added.

Okoth also called on clubs to strengthen their Under-20 programmes ahead of the tournament, expressing confidence that they will be ready in time.

“I believe there is adequate time for clubs to scout players and integrate them into their programmes. With four months to go, I believe the clubs will be ready and competitive,” said Okoth.

The National Sevens Circuit will kick off with the Prinsloo 7s on July 25–26 before moving to Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu for the Dala 7s on August 1–2.

After a one-week break, action will return to Nairobi for the Kabeberi 7s, followed by the Driftwood 7s in Mombasa on August 22–23.

The Embu 7s will be on September 6–7, before the series culminates with the Christie 7s at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

KCB Rugby will be out to defend the title they won last season after accumulating 126 points, 18 points ahead of second-placed Strathmore University Leos.