The Impala Rugby Club has officially unveiled the tournament brackets for the 43rd edition of the Impala Floodlit Rugby Tournament. The draw was conducted during a high-profile press launch at the Impala Pavilion, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated opening weekends in the tournament's history. The event is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, October 17. This year's "Episode 43" promises a challenging pre-season test for athletes and a premium entertainment experience for fans.
The Main Cup quarter-finals will feature a highly anticipated heavyweight clash as defending champions Menengai Oilers launch their title defense against rivals KCB Rugby. This matchup is a repeat of last year's fixture, adding to the excitement. Meanwhile, the host club, Impala Gazelles, will face their Ngong Road neighbors and last year's losing finalists, Nondies, in a highly anticipated derby.
The Club quarter-finals will also see Strathmore Leos taking on Mwamba RFC, and Kenya Harlequins facing Kenyatta University's Blak Blad. In the Universities Category, defending champions JKUAT will open their campaign against Mean Machine. Last year's finalists, USIU, will meet the Impala Swaras, while Zetech takes on KCA, and Daystar Falcons clash with the Kabete Stallions.
The Women's Category will head straight into the semi-finals, featuring defending champions Mwamba Ladies battling Northern Suburbs. The hosts, Impala Roans, will face a formidable test against Harlequin Queens. According to Loren Lubanga, the Floodlights Chairman, "The matchups drawn today reflect exactly what Floodies is all about: there are no easy games under the lights."
Loren Lubanga emphasized that the 15s season isn't handed to anyone, but is built when no one is watching and tested in prime time. He described Episode 43 as an absolute spectacle of grit and high-level rugby. The event is backed by a robust coalition of corporate partners dedicated to growing the Kenyan game.
Impala RFC has recognized Safaricom, Firmbridge, Karen Hospital, Capital FM, Coca-Cola, Iron Made, Galaxy Travels, and Stima Sacco as official sponsors for this year's tournament. Their investment is directly funding an enhanced fan village, live entertainment, and upgraded player welfare protocols. The tournament will be played over three consecutive weekends - October 17, 24, and 31, at the Impala Grounds along Ngong Road.
Advance tickets for the opening weekend are now officially live, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots early via the official TikoHUB ticketing portal before gate prices take effect. With the stage set for an exciting tournament, fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the 43rd Impala Floodlit Rugby Tournament.
Key points
- Defending champions Menengai Oilers will face KCB Rugby in a highly anticipated heavyweight clash.
- The tournament will feature a robust coalition of corporate partners dedicated to growing the Kenyan game.
- The event will be played over three consecutive weekends at the Impala Grounds along Ngong Road.
