By Miraj Guo and Gran Chico | Aug 22,2026
Rain may have threatened to spoil the party, but rugby fans refused to stay away. Mombasa Sports Club was packed to capacity on Saturday as thousands turned up for Day One of the 36th Driftwood 7s, the fourth leg of the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit, brushing aside weather concerns along the Kenyan Coast.
Light to moderate showers fell for much of the day, leaving the pitch slick and the stands damp. The Kenya Meteorological Department had forecast rainfall for Mombasa and neighbouring coastal counties, raising fears that attendance could suffer. Instead, the opposite happened.
Organisers and sponsors reported an impressive, near-record turnout as supporters filled the grounds from early morning, determined not to miss the action.
SportPesa, title sponsor of the National Sevens Circuit, was among those impressed. “The fan turnout in Mombasa has been very impressive,” noted Mercy Kabui of SportPesa, highlighting the strong support for the coastal leg of the series.
The company’s continued investment in Kenyan rugby has helped turn events like Driftwood into major sporting and social occasions that draw crowds even when the weather turns.
On the field, the rain-soaked conditions tested every team. Hosts Mombasa Sports Club produced the biggest cheer of the day, recovering from an early heavy defeat to stun Kenya Harlequin 22-19.
Circuit leaders KCB Rugby swept their pool matches, while Uganda Emerging 7s advanced on their long-awaited return after 13 years. Several other sides also booked places in Sunday’s knockout rounds.
Yet the real story was off the pitch. Families, groups of friends and passionate rugby supporters filled every available space, with umbrellas and rain jackets mixing with team colours. Food stalls did brisk business, the atmosphere remained electric, and the coastal energy that makes Driftwood special was fully on display despite the grey skies.
The strong attendance underlines the growing popularity of the SportPesa National Sevens Circuit and the special place Driftwood holds on the rugby calendar.
With entertainment headlined by Bensoul later on Saturday and knockout rugby scheduled for Sunday, many fans are expected to return, weather permitting.
For one day at least, the rain scare was no match for the pull of high-quality sevens rugby and the loyal support that continues to grow around the SportPesa-backed series.
Mombasa Sports Club proved once again that when the rugby is good, Kenyan fans will show up, rain or shine.
