Impala Rugby Club is aiming for a major rebound as the 2026 National Sevens Circuit moves to Kisumu for the second leg, the Dala 7s, at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium this weekend.

The Gazelles enter the Kisumu leg sitting 12th on the circuit standings with just five points following a tough outing at the Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru.

Determined to turn their fortunes around, the Ngong Road-based side faces a steep challenge after being drawn in a demanding Pool A alongside defending Dala 7s champions KCB Rugby, MMUST Rugby Club, and Zetech Oaks.

Despite the tough draw, Head Coach Anthony Nyandigisi is confident that his squad has addressed the tactical gaps exposed during the season opener.

“Prinsloo gave us valuable lessons, and the players have responded positively in training this week,” Nyandigisi noted. “We know the quality of opposition we will face in Dala 7s, but we are equally confident in our ability to compete. Our focus has been on improving our execution, discipline, and consistency over the 14 minutes.”

New signings

The coach is banking on the growing synergy within his squad, particularly as a cohort of new signings continues to adapt.

Key debutants from the opening leg, including Leon Onduso, Ted Adrian, Jordie Imbali, Modechai Metternich, Elvis Omondi, Evan Asena, Opiyo Stephen, and Conrad Hinga, are expected to take on larger responsibilities in Kisumu.

Club captain Benjamin Madaga reiterated that the team has put the disappointment of Nakuru behind them, using the past week to refocus on their strategic goals.

“The mood in camp is very positive,” Madaga said. “We know we did not achieve the results we wanted in Nakuru, but everyone has taken responsibility and worked hard during the week. Dala 7s presents us with another opportunity to show our character.”

Meanwhile, the club’s women’s team, the Impala Roans, will also take to the turf at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium looking to build on an impressive start to their campaign.

The Roans currently occupy fourth place on the National Women’s Sevens Circuit standings with 15 points. They headline Pool A alongside Mwamba RFC, Kisumu Dolphins, and Mwira Eagles as they push to climb higher in the title race.

With crucial circuit points on the line in Kisumu, both the Gazelles and the Roans are aiming for strong finishes before the National Sevens Circuit heads to Nairobi for the third leg, the Kabeberi Sevens, scheduled for August 15–16.