Kenya’s rugby success comes from the speed, skill, and flair of Sevens. But how do you strongly replace the outgoing Shujaa if there is no age grade pathway? To stay competitive worldwide, we need a clear system that helps athletes develop long before they join senior teams.  Plus with nothing sadly going on for the national 15s team, whilst our Academies remain both for 15s & 7s players, we wanted to develop that extra level for the top 7s players as there is something for our youth to strive for in this style of the game.

DBA Africa is closing this gap by starting Kenya’s first 7s Rugby Academy. This high-performance programme will help top young players improve their skills and create new opportunities for them in rugby and beyond.

The High-Performance Pathway

• Elite Coaching Staff: The academy is led by former Shujaa star and KCB captain Philip Wamae, together with 2024 National 7s Champion Leeon Nyang. Players will also learn from guest international coaches and sports professionals through regular masterclasses.
• Monthly Training Hub: Training takes place once a month on weekends at Kenton College. Sessions focus on building skills, tactics, game IQ, leadership as well as competitive matches.
• Real-World Exposure: The team will play against leading local school and academy teams during the season. The end goal is that they will go on an international tours to test their skills on a global stage.

Player Nominations & Eligibility

To maintain high performance standards, only nominated players can join the academy.

• Age Criteria: Players must be 16 or 17 years old.
• Nomination Requirement: Athletes need a formal nomination from their current academy, or club coach. Players without a nomination cannot attend trials.

How Partners & Schools Can Get Involved

Creating a strong, lasting rugby programme takes teamwork from everyone in the sports community:

• For Coaches and Teachers: Pick your best 16 and 17 year old Sevens players and send in their nominations for the next trial group.
• For Sponsors & Corporate Partners: Support the team through direct financial sponsorship or in-kind contributions. Key operational needs include high-performance nutrition, athletic supplementation, kit provision, and travel logistics.

Join DBA Africa in building a strong future for Kenyan rugby and giving young athletes the chance to shine internationally.

Get in touch with DBA Africa today to nominate players or talk about partnership opportunities.