The 2026 Kingsley Cup Celebrates Growth and Friendship at Turi

St Andrew’s School, Turi, was full of excitement as the 2026 Kingsley Cup brought together six DBA-affiliated teams for a day of intense competition, learning, and new friendships. This year’s event showed how rugby can bring young athletes together, help them grow, and create memories that last both on and off the field.

The DBA tournament was split into two competitive pools, keeping spectators excited from the start. As the day went on, teams showed real improvement in their skills and confidence. In the end, Nakuru Rugby won the Kingsley Cup after a close and exciting final against last year’s champions, Gilgil Vumbi.

More important than the scores was how much the Under-13 players grew during the tournament. These young athletes handled the fast pace of Sevens rugby with impressive maturity. They made smart decisions, showed creativity, and confidently tried new strategies, showing that Kenyan rugby has a bright future. All aspects we should be seeing at age grade rugby.

Several players stood out during the rugby tour. Emmanuel Okoth from Nakuru Rugby was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his strong performances. Brighton Bagaya earned the Most Promising Player award, impressing everyone with his talent and potential.

Individual excellence echoed across all the participating squads. Representing the Turi Age Grade Centre, Isaac Okidia and players from every team showed their skills. Isaac Okidia from the Turi Age Grade Centre stood out for his smart play and helped his team work well together. Titus Kiprono from DBA Nairobi Academy showed great determination as the youngest player on his team. Nakuru Teachers and New Life Centre also showed strong spirit, led by Gitai David and Kevin Ochieng. The visiting players took to the field for a brilliant exhibition match that served as the perfect curtain-raiser to the grand final. However, their impact extended far beyond their time on the pitch. Throughout the day, the Kingsley students immersed themselves in the tournament community coaching, encouraging, and cheering every participant from all six academies.

These meaningful interactions showed the core values that DBA Africa supports: friendship, respect, and learning together across cultures. This is the youth development we teach outside of the school setting. As the day ended at Turi, the 2026 Kingsley Cup left not only trophies but also stronger community ties and inspiration for the next generation of rugby players.