KRU seeks how to make Prescott Cup more attractive
However, in the near future, Kenya Rugby Union is looking to make the best schools across the country battle it out for the ultimate prize.
Kenya Rugby Union is seeking ways to make the Prescott Cup (schools rugby competition) more attractive and countrywide defined.
The Prescott Cup which was formed in 1967 is traditionally a Nairobi County event featuring the best schools in a mini-tournament to see the institution that goes home with bragging rights. Last year, the format was altered a bit to make it a knockout tournament following an agreement between the Kenya Rugby Union and Organizers.
However, in the near future, KRU is looking to make the best schools across the country battle it out for the ultimate prize. This would then take the spectacle beyond one traditional base to other parts of Kenya in a bid to grow the interest and image of the project.
According to KRU Director of Rugby and Pathways Paul Odera, it would make sense to see more broader talent come from other parts of the country through the support of Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSA).
“If we can apply this concept across the country in the format of a tournament amongst the best rugby schools, then we will be doing justice to the sport. This will make geographical sense in terms of growing the game and broadening interest. Stakeholders like KSSA under the Ministry of Education are key and they would probably agree on a formula of two months in a calendar year where the tournament can run because for most of the time, they have students with them,” he said in an interview.
Additionally, plans are also afoot to have a girls’ tournament running aside the boys in the Prescott Cup competition. “We have enormous talent in the girls’ space and as a Union it is our plan to enhance it. Girls’ rugby is blossoming now and all they need is visibility and support and through such initiatives, we are likely to see progress and impact. We will definitely be discussing with like-minded sponsors to come on board to support the idea,” added Odera who is a former Kenya under 20 team coach.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Rugby Union’s Development Department, in collaboration with the UK Embassy at the weekend unveiled a monumental partnership at the Lenana Opens. This alliance saw the handover of top-tier training kits to the age-grade teams, a gesture presided over by Colin Skyes, the UK Embassy’s Counselor for Science, Innovation, Tech, and Digital.
The event, held at Lenana School grounds, was graced by the Chief Principal of Lenana School and the esteemed Lenana Old Boys Association, custodians of rugby excellence at the institution. Kenya Rugby Union CEO Thomas Odundo and Development Coordinator Ronald Okoth also lent their presence, underscoring the union’s commitment to nurturing talent.
