All Saints now seek divine intervention to remain at the top

All Saints Embu High School rugby player Josphat Karanja celebrates after winning the 2024 national title against Butula Boys in Machakos. [File, Standard]

They took the national stage by storm and have been impressive since making their rugby 15s first appearance in 2023.

Yes, they are All Saints Embu and they will be back at the Brookside Secondary Schools National Term One games that begin on Tuesday at Shanzu Teachers College and Shimo La Tewa High School, Mombasa to defend their title.

The reigning national and East Africa champions will have everything to fight for when they take to the field for their trophy will be on the line.

There will be no room for mistakes and they just have to be at their best because a slight blunder would see them relinquish their remaining two crowns without a proper fight. They must excel at the nationals for a chance to defend their East Africa gong.

All Saints coach Benson Mwenda said that they have worked harder in training because stakes are very high for them at this year's contest.

"We've had to put in extra work because there is so much in this for us. Our two trophies are at stake and so we can't afford to make even the slightest of mistakes at any level of competition," Mwenda said.

The experienced tactician exuded confidence saying that even though seven top players from last year's squad finished school and left he believes the current team is equal to the task.

"We were all prepared for their departure and I believe that there is no void in the team. We have prepared well and I'm confident they will get the job done," he added.

Mwenda will rely on the services of winger Emmanuel Kapondo, centre Peter Otieno, flyhalf Josphat Karanja and hooker Simon Gitire. Captain Kapondo is expected to anchor his side to their second title in a row.

All Saints launch their title defence in Group A against their hosts Serani Secondary School who make a comeback to the national games.

They will face off with the 2018 national and East Africa champions Upper Hill from Nairobi, yearning to make the best out of their national return after spending four years in the cold. Their last pool match will be against regulars Mang'u High School from Central.

"Our pool is fair and we hope to play well in the preliminaries and top it. However, we can't take any chances because all teams are a threat to our ambitions and so I believe that the best team will win," Mwenda concluded.

All Saints also face stiff competition from their Group B counterparts. The pool has Western Region champions Vihiga Boys High School, Friends Bwake Boys Secondary School from Rift Valley, Nyanza's Kisii School and Marafa Secondary School from Coast.