On Sunday 13 July, DBA Africa hosted the latest Futures Cup Girls Edition at St Christopher’s International  School, Nairobi. The event brought together four regional U15 girls rugby teams — Western Wanderers, Nairobi Bulldozers, Central Avalanche and Rift Valley Lakers — in a tournament designed to grow sports development opportunities for young female players in Kenya.

The tournament followed a round robin format, with each team playing three matches. After six competitive games, Rift Valley Lakers and Nairobi Bulldozers secured their places in the final while Western Wanderers and Central Avalanche faced off in the third-place playoff.

The third-place match proved to be one of the highlights of the day. After a tightly contested regular time, the game ended in a 7–7 draw, sending it into sudden death extra time. It was Western Wanderers who clinched the win, scoring the decisive try to edge past Central Avalanche and claim third place in dramatic fashion.

Across the eight matches, the day showcased the fast-growing talent pool in girls rugby and highlighted the important role that DBA Africa plays in driving rugby development and access for girls in Kenya. There was strong support from families, friends and teammates along the touchline, reflecting the growing interest in girls rugby across the country.

On the pitch, Rift Valley Lakers showed their class from the opening match. Top Try Scorer Josephine Kerubo was in outstanding form, crossing the try line seven times across all four of her team’s matches. Alongside her, tournament MVP Sharon Atieno delivered a standout all-round performance in attack and defence, guiding her side to a second consecutive Futures Cup Girls title with an unbeaten run.

Adding inspiration on the sidelines was Kenya Rugby Union and Kenya Lionesses star Grace Adhiambo, a Nakuru RFC player and proud Rift Valley Lakers supporter. Adhiambo, a role model to many of the young girls competing, shared her encouragement with the players during the tournament.

“These tournaments mean everything for the future of girls rugby in Kenya. I started just like them, playing with friends and dreaming big. To see the skill and passion on display here today reminds us all how important it is to create these chances. I’m proud of these girls — they’re the next generation of leaders on and off the field,” she said.

In a well-contested final, Rift Valley Lakers secured the win against Nairobi Bulldozers, with both sides showing clear progress and confidence developed through regular competition.

Speaking after the final, Victor Oduor, Head of Rift Valley Lakers, said:
“Tournaments like these are crucial for the future of the game. It’s exciting to see the standard rising each year and the confidence these girls are gaining through rugby. We’re proud to be part of this movement and to defend our title.”

DBA Africa continues to invest in creating safe, inclusive rugby opportunities for girls across Kenya, providing young players with the chance to compete, build confidence and develop leadership skills through sport. Events like the Futures Cup help open pathways for the next generation of women athletes to excel both on and off the field.

As the Futures Cup series continues, more opportunities are being created for talented girls rugby players to progress through regional and national competitions, with the long-term goal of securing scholarships and leadership roles within their communities.

Four teams. One dream. Many stories. The future of the game is bold, bright and beautiful.

Individual honours

Most Valuable Player: Sharon Atieno, Rift Valley Lakers
Top Try Scorer with seven tries: Josephine Kerubo, Rift Valley Lakers
Sportsmanship Award: Ruth Cheptoo (Central Avalanche) and Patience Ahadi (Western Wanderers)

Check out the girls in action: DBA Girls Rugby FuturesCup