Enterprise Cup draw released as tournament is re-branded

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has released the first round draw for this year’s Enterprise Cup. 

The tournament, which will run for five weeks, has been expanded to accommodate clubs from the lower tiers. 

Quarter-finalists from last year have received byes to the second round and will therefore not be involved on match day one on February 2.

The eight include defending champions Homeboyz, Impala Saracens, KCB, Kabras Sugar, Nondescripts, Nakuru RFC, Mwamba and Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad. 

The sides which have received byes will be at home to round one winners in the pre-quarter finals on a yet to be communicated date. 

The KRU also announced that this year’s fixtures will be intertwined with Kenya Cup matches, as opposed to the past when the tournament was played after completion of the league. 

According to the draw, Kenya Harlequin, who lost to Homeboyz at the pre-quarter finals in last year’s edition, will be at home to KRU Championship side Ngong Warriors. 

Meanwhile,another Kenya Cup side Strathmore Leos will welcome compatriots JKUAT Cougars as MMUST face University of Nairobi’s Mean Machine. 

Menengai Oilers will host the Catholic Monks at the Nakuru ASK Showgrounds while in the Coast Region, Mombasa RFC takes on Moi University.

In the Western Region, Kisii RFC will welcome University of Eldoret, Western Bulls takes on the Egerton Wasps while Kisumu RFC welcomes South Coast Pirates.

Homeboyz are the Enterprise Cup holders having beaten Impala in last year’s final.