Defending champions Menengai Oilers will return to defend their Impala Floodlit title when the annual pre-season rugby tournament gets underway from October 17-31, with the Nakuru-based side targeting a third consecutive crown.
After falling short in both the Kenya Cup and Enterprise Cup last season, Oilers will be hoping the tournament provides the perfect platform to build momentum ahead of the 2026-27 Kenya Cup campaign, which kicks off in November.
The Impala Floodlit tournament traditionally serves as the curtain-raiser to the domestic season, allowing clubs to test combinations, integrate new signings and fine-tune preparations before the battle for league honours begins.
Hosts Impala will field two teams in the three-week competition, with 10-time champions KCB, Kenya Harlequin, Nakuru RFC, Strathmore Leos, Mwamba and Nondescripts among the clubs expected to participate.
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The tournament will feature three categories, including club, university and schools—open to Form Three and Grade 10 students.
Oilers lifted last year’s title after defeating Nondescripts 32-20 in an entertaining final and will be looking to defend the trophy once again.
With several clubs already back in pre-season training, this year’s tournament is expected to be highly competitive as teams gauge their readiness for the new campaign.
Oilers head coach Gibson Weru said the defending champions will field a balanced squad comprising experienced players, new signings and emerging talent.
“By virtue of us being defending champions, we will field a strong competitive team which can go all the way and retain the title and give us momentum heading into the 2026-2027 season,” said Weru.
Weru added that the team will also arrange several build-up matches before the tournament begins.
“We have adequate time between now and October to do our pre-season, especially with our forwards, as our backs will be playing in the sevens circuit. By the time we get to September, we will be in a good position,” he observed.
Meanwhile, South Coast Pirates have parted ways with head coach Tony Khadambi following the expiry of his one-year contract.
Khadambi guided the coastal side to the Kenya Rugby Union Championship promotion playoffs, where their bid for promotion to the Kenya Cup ended in defeat to Homeboyz Rugby Club.
Oilers' centre Samuel Ovwamu in action against the Buffaloes during the Super series last season/HANDOUT 
