Impala Floodlit 2026: Nairobi Set for Rugby Grand Finale
Kenya Harlequin FC and KCB Rugby will battle for the men’s title at the 43rd edition of the Impala Floodlit tournament on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Impala Club along Ngong Road in Nairobi.
The highly anticipated final is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will headline a full day of rugby action featuring men’s, women’s and university competitions.
KCB Rugby secured their place in the final after thrashing Mwamba RFC 64-11 in the semi-final played at Impala Grounds on Saturday, October 24. The bankers will be seeking their 11th title as they face a Kenya Harlequin side determined to lift the coveted trophy.
Impala Floodlit Chairman Loren Lubanga said the tournament had continued to establish itself as a key event on the Kenyan rugby calendar.
“The Impala Floodlit has grown into an important fixture on the Kenyan rugby calendar, bringing together teams across different categories and allowing players to compete at a high level. This year’s edition has delivered exciting rugby, and we look forward to a memorable finale that celebrates the talent, resilience and sportsmanship that define our game. We invite rugby fans and families to turn up in large numbers and be part of the occasion,” said Lubanga.
The men’s final will be preceded by the third-place playoff between Nondies and Mwamba RFC at 5:50 p.m. Earlier, Menengai Oilers will take on Blak Blad in the men’s plate final at 4:10 p.m., while Daystar Falcons will face JKUAT in the varsity final at 2:30 p.m.
Kenya Harlequin FC captain Jeff Kiragu said his team was ready for the challenge but acknowledged the strength of their opponents.
“Reaching the final is a significant achievement, but our focus is on finishing the job. KCB are a strong side, and we know we will need to be disciplined, clinical and committed for the entire match. We have prepared well, and the team is looking forward to the challenge. Finals are decided by the work you put in on the day, and we are ready to give our best,” said Kiragu.
In the women’s competition, Quins Queens will face Mwamba RFC in the final at 12:50 p.m., following the third-place playoff between Impala Roans and Nondescripts Suburbs at RFUEA Grounds at 9:30 a.m.
The varsity plate final between Mean Machine and Kabarak Stallions is scheduled for 11:10 a.m. at RFUEA Grounds. At the same time, Zetech University will meet the United States International University (USIU) in the varsity third-place playoff at Impala Grounds.
The 43rd edition of the Impala Floodlit tournament continues to provide a competitive platform for established rugby clubs and emerging players while bringing together fans to celebrate the sport.
Fans can purchase tickets through Tikohub or the Safaricom OneApp and are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the day’s matches ahead of the evening’s main event.
