Kenya Harlequins have set their sights on a top-six finish in the 2026/27 Kenya Cup season as head coach Patrice Agunda looks to rebuild the side following a turbulent campaign.
The Ngong Road-based club endured a difficult 2025/26 season, losing 17 players following a contractual dispute and finishing ninth with four wins, seven defeats and 20 points.
They narrowly avoided relegation in a campaign that saw MMUST and Kisumu drop out of the top flight, while Impala also fought to escape the drop.
Agunda believes the club has steadied the ship and is better prepared to compete in the upcoming season.
“Last season was difficult. The upheaval meant we struggled, but we steadied the ship and ensured we did not get relegated. From a pre-season perspective, I am sure the boys are heading in the right direction,” said Agunda.
The former Kenya fifteens and sevens international said the technical bench had focused on clarifying players’ roles and establishing a consistent playing identity ahead of the new campaign.
“It is important for the players to understand the brand of rugby we want to play and their core roles to ensure we are all on the same page for the season ahead,” he said.
Agunda is also encouraged by the talent unearthed during the recently concluded National Sevens Circuit, which he believes could strengthen the club’s fifteens set-up.
“There was great talent we unearthed during the sevens series, which I believe will help us in the longer version of the game. Brighton Omondi, who was exemplary for Morans at the Safari Sevens, is one of them,” he added.
Quins have already made a positive start to their preparations, beating Blak Blad 16-10 at the Impala Floodlit tournament to book a semi-final meeting with rivals Nondescripts.
Agunda believes the clash will provide an important test of his side’s match fitness, combinations and tactical readiness ahead of the Kenya Cup season.
“We are looking at various combinations, our match fitness, strength and conditioning, coupled with tactical acumen. The match against Nondies will give us a good indication of where we are,” he said.
The coach added that effective game management would be crucial against Nondescripts, particularly in controlling territory and winning physical contests.
“Playing in the right areas will be key, and winning the collisions and the gain line are some of the things we will focus on this week in training,” Agunda said.
With renewed focus on team structure, emerging talent and tactical discipline, Harlequins will hope their pre-season progress translates into a stronger Kenya Cup campaign and a return to the league’s top six.
