Strathmore Leos produced a championship performance on Saturday, July 11, 2026, overturning a nine-point halftime deficit to edge Nondescripts RFC 15-14 and successfully defend their Ruff and Tuff 7s title.

The dramatic final, held at the Ngong Racecourse Grounds in Nairobi, saw the Leos dig deep after trailing 14-5 at the break. Refusing to surrender their crown, the defending champions mounted a spirited second-half comeback that showcased the resilience, composure, and fighting spirit that has become synonymous with Strathmore rugby.

Collins Maina kept the Leos within touching distance with a first-half try before the team returned from the interval with renewed intensity. Shem Okola crossed the whitewash to narrow the deficit, setting the stage for Gabriel Ayimba, whose decisive try completed a remarkable turnaround and secured a narrow 15-14 victory.

The triumph marked back-to-back Ruff and Tuff 7s titles for Strathmore Leos.

The Leos’ road to the championship was equally impressive. They opened their campaign with a hard-fought 17-17 draw against Nondescripts before bouncing back to defeat Kenya Harlequin 19-10. A dominant 20-0 victory over KU Blak Blad saw them finish top of their pool and book a place in the knockout stages.

Leos Captain, Gabriel Ayimba, during the opening match against Nondescripts RFC

The Leos captain, Gabriel Ayimba, said, “The opening game against Nondies was a tough ride, but we put our house in order to cruise in the rest of the fixture.”

In the semifinal, Strathmore delivered one of the tournament’s standout performances, overpowering Mwamba RFC 24-12 to set up a rematch against Nondescripts in the final.

The successful title defence continues an impressive run for the Leos in the tournament. Last year, they lifted the inaugural Ruff and Tuff 7s trophy after defeating Mwamba RFC 21-7 in the final, announcing themselves as a formidable force ahead of the National Sevens Circuit.

Retaining the title not only underscores the team’s consistency but also provides a significant confidence boost as preparations intensify for the 2026 National Sevens Circuit. With another trophy safely in the cabinet and a squad that has demonstrated both quality and resilience under pressure, Strathmore Leos head into the new sevens season with momentum and the belief that they remain one of the teams to beat.

“In the National 7s Circuit, we finished second overall last year. Our good run in the Ruff N Tuff this year has given us the morale to believe that we can go for the jugular in the National 7s Circuit,” said Ayimba.

Article written by Stephen Wakhu