Kisumu will host the 2023 National Sevens Circuit Dala Sevens opening league hosted by Kisumu Rugby Football Club at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo and Kisumu National Polytechnic grounds.

Over 700 players from top rugby clubs are expected to participate in the tournament.

ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo is expected to open the tournament on Saturday, which has attracted 40 teams officially.

Division One, the tournament's highlight, has 16 teams, while division two has 24.

In Division One draws released by Kenya Rugby Union on Tuesday, National Sevens Circuit Champions Menengai Oilers are in Pool A alongside rivals Nakuru, Nondescripts and Catholic Monks.

Last season’s runners-up KCB are favourites in Pool B alongside Harlequins, Masinde Muliro University and Mombasa RFC.

Hosts Kisumu RFC are in Pool C, featuring Strathmore Leos, Kabras Sugar and Daystar Falcons.

The teams will battle for glory in the tournament, renowned for its thrilling rugby action since 2003.

Dala Sevens Tournament Director Erick Ondieki said preparations have been finalised, urging rugby fans to turn up in large numbers to experience top-notch rugby.

VIP tickets, he said, were going at Kes 1 000 and regular tickets at Kes500, adding that various sponsors have come on board to make the tournament a success.

Further, he said stringent measures have been put in place to guarantee the safety of players and spectators ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on Friday.

He also said the team had been bolstered and was well prepared to take on competitors.

“The boys have prepared well. We have been promoted back to the Kenya cup which is a familiar ground for us having played against our competitors in the pool Kabras Sugar, Daystar Falcons and Strathmore,” he said.

He disclosed that Scouts from the Kenya National Rugby Sevens Team-Shujaa will be at the tournament to scout for talent.

“We hope to get one of two players from Kisumu RFC to join the national team,” he said.

Among the tournament sponsors is East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL), which has announced a Kes 2 million sponsorship, Nightingale Hospital, Multichoice, Pinecone Hotel, Kisumu Specialists Hospital and W-Fresh water.