Nyanza Region Secondary Schools rugby 15's champions Maseno School are confident of defending their crown when the games kick of today (Wednesday) at Kisii School from 2pm.
Maseno retained the Kisumu County title two weeks ago after edging out Nyabondo 12-8 in a tight final played at Chemelil Academy.
Speaking ahead of the regionals, Maseno head coach Steve Oluoch said they have prepared enough for the games after working out some of their mistakes through build up friendlies they played.
Maseno School have played three build-up matches, winning two and losing one.
"We are better now. We have had three friendlies that we have used critically to improve on the areas that baffled us and now we are ready to go again.
"It is not going to be easy considering the tough pool we are in but as champions we have to win to retain the title," said the teacher of English.
In the buildup matches, Maseno School narrowly beat Western region defending champions Kakamega High 6-3 before seeing off Chavakali 10-0 in the second game.
In the last friendly, Maseno succumbed to a 28-14 loss against newly croned Kakamega County champions Koyonzo.
Maseno have been pooled in Group A where they will face off against archrivals St Marys Yala, Nduru Boys and Homa Bay High School.
They will kick off their campaign today against Homa Bay High from 2pm.
Maseno won the regional title in 2019 when rugby 15's was last played by beating Yala 15-10 at Homa Bay School.
Rugby15s pools
Group A-St Mary's Yala, Maseno, Nduru, Homa Bay
Group B-Gekano, Kisii, Rapogi, Nyabondo