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Draft:Turi 7s

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The Turi 7s also known as Turi International 7s is an annual rugby sevens tournament held at St. Andrew’s School, Turi, in Kenya. Founded in 2005 by the father of Jouste Simeon, the tournament aimed to unite the country's best rugby-playing schools and provide them with an opportunity to compete for the trophy.

This prestigious event focuses on Under-15 teams, attracting top schools from across Kenya. Known for its high level of competition, the tournament usually takes place a week earlier in the last week's of June but now happens from June 28th to 29th in the Trinity Term. It provides young athletes with a platform to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.

The event has a strong reputation for excellent organization and sportsmanship. Notably, in 2019, Turi A and Turi B teams faced off in the final (this season was one of their best runs), highlighting the depth of talent within the host school’s rugby program, with Turi A emerging as the champions on close margins.

While Turi A often wins the tournament, there have been notable exceptions in certain seasons. In 2007, Hillcrest won; in 2011, Braeburn (BGR) claimed the title; in 2013 and 2014, Peponi emerged as the champions; in 2015, Hillcrest took the top spot again; and in 2017, Brookhouse Karen won.

The 2024 edition of the Turi 7s is highly anticipated and is scheduled for June 28th to 29th. This year, the tournament is attracting international attention, with teams from Uganda, Qatar, and the UK expected to participate, introducing a diverse and competitive international flavor. Participating schools typically include Hillcrest International, Braeburn, Braeside, St. Christopher’s, Peponi, Turi, Brookhouse Karen, Upcoming Shujaa, various local schools, and many more for example Nakuru RFC. Furthermore, this year less schools have been invited and more clubs so as to make the competition more competitive.

This year, the tournament will also feature a girls' rugby 7s program, further expanding its inclusivity and competitive spirit.

The Turi 7s is recognized as one of the biggest U15 rugby tournaments in Africa.Various coaches see the tournament as an opportunity for experience and team building. U15 Kenya coach Biko Adema is outlining his plan to create a team in this tournament for future years.

The Turi 7s is also an important event for scouts seeking to identify promising young talent, offering participants potential opportunities for advancement in their rugby careers. Overall, the Turi 7s is a celebrated event that fosters the growth of youth rugby in Kenya.

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