Kisii School crowned East Africa rugby 15s champions

Kisii School rugby players and teachers celebrate after winning the East Africa rugby 15s title in Kakamega on August 21, 2025. [Washington Onyango, Standard]

Kisii School are the 2025 East Africa Secondary School rugby 15s champions.

The KSSSA national silver medallist dethroned defending champions All Saints Embu 11-6 in a tense final played on Thursday at the Bull Ring in Kakamega County.

Matrix Matangi converted a third-minute penalty to hand the Nyanza champions an early 3-0 lead before Josphat Karanja replied for All Saints three minutes later to tie the scores at 3-3.

After numerous failed attempts to breach the Eastern Region heavyweights back line, Kisii opted for the boot after a penalty.

Matangi stepped up again in the 18th minute to send Kisii three points ahead after another successful kick for a 6-3 lead.

Just like he did earlier, Karanja again replied for All Saints to tie the scores at 6-6, a stalemate that was carried to halftime.

In the final half, Isaac Mageto scored the only try of the game that stretched Kisii's lead to 11-6 and an upper hand for the remainder of the half.

Defensive discipline and numerous carries saw Kisii win their maiden title to the celebration of thousands of their fans at the Bull Ring.

Speaking after the match, Kisii coach Lee Aston said he was over the moon after the win. Upgrading their national silver medal to gold in East Africa was no mean feat for them.

"Congratulations to the boys. This is as a result of hard work. Nobody saw us in the final here let alone when the national finals were held back in April in Mombasa. We have disapproved them and shown them that rugby was made in Nyanza," said Aston.