This Sunday, 20th July, five under-13 youth rugby teams supported by DBA Africa gathered at St Andrew’s Turi for the second edition of the Kingsley Cup. The one-day tournament provided a structured platform for grassroots players from Nakuru, Nairobi, and Gilgil to compete, grow and build confidence.

The Kingsley Cup is hosted by DBA Africa in partnership with Kingsley School Devon and St Andrew’s Turi. It is part of DBA’s commitment to age-grade rugby development and helps create a clear pathway for young athletes to progress to higher levels of the game. Matches were played in a round-robin sevens format, encouraging quick decision-making, teamwork, and skill under pressure.

Participating teams include WaziWazi DBA Nairobi, Gilgil Vumbi Age Grade Centre, Nakuru Teachers Age Grade Centre, Nakuru Rugby Age Grade Centre, and Turi Age Grade Centre. All teams are part of DBA’s regional age-grade system and represent the growing strength of grassroots rugby in Kenya.Gilgil Vumbi Age Grade Centre emerged as champions after an unbeaten run, showcasing sharp skills and strong teamwork throughout the tournament.

The Nairobi team, WaziWazi DBA Nairobi U13, has grown through a partnership between DBA Africa and WaziWazi. This partnership has helped build the team’s visibility and identity and created a more consistent training environment for grassroots players in Nairobi rugby. Their inclusion in the tournament reflects a joint commitment to long-term rugby development and community engagement in the capital.

The tournament highlighted the strength of Rift Valley in age-grade rugby. The region has produced finalists for the Future’s Cup two years in a row, with back-to-back wins in the girls' category and two runner-up finishes for the boys. Rift Valley are clearly getting it right when it comes to age-grade development. The level of skill, technical knowledge, and game awareness on show from the Nakuru-based teams was a class above.

For players taking part, the Kingsley Cup is a stepping stone to future opportunities. It forms part of the pathway that can lead into the U15 Futures Cup, where regional teams like the Nairobi Bulldozers and Rift Valley Lakers compete. Many of the athletes playing this weekend may go on to represent their regions on bigger stages in the next two years.

The relationship between Kingsley School and DBA Africa continues to grow. In 2026, Kingsley School will tour Kenya with their U15 and U18 boys rugby teams. They will take part in the Futures Cup and join DBA in delivering community-based rugby and education activities across the country. This partnership has already seen DBA coach Hasan Ali spend six months coaching rugby and strength and conditioning at Kingsley. He returns to the UK for a one-year placement in August.

DBA partner Bryanston School also donated rugby kit to two of the participating academies. For many of the players involved, this was their first proper kit. Some still have no boots, and many teams struggle with equipment — making donations like this incredibly meaningful.
Aramis Equipment also supported the event with equipment donations, helping close the gap for underserved teams. Donations to these academies are welcome and remain vital to sustaining and growing grassroots sport in Kenya.

This second edition of the Kingsley Cup follows on from recent events like the Futures Cup Girls Edition, where the Rift Valley Lakers were crowned champions. It adds to the momentum of youth rugby in Kenya and shows how structured competition builds skills, confidence, and leadership in young athletes.

As tournament organiser Storm Trentham of DBA Africa put it: “These events are proof of what youth rugby can achieve in Kenya when the right systems are in place. What we’re seeing from Rift Valley isn’t a fluke. It’s development done properly. Having watched Kenya Simbas fail to qualify for the RWC again, it really highlights the need for serious competitions and opportunities from a very young age, something many of those athletes probably didn't get growing up.’

By bringing together schools, clubs, and partners from across the country, DBA Africa is helping to build a strong foundation for rugby in Kenya. The Kingsley Cup is another step forward in this journey — a day where young players come together, compete, learn, and enjoy the sport.