The Impala Rugby Club today officially unveiled the tournament brackets for the 43rd edition of the Impala Floodlit Rugby Tournament. Conducted during a high-profile press launch at the Impala Pavilion, the draw has set the stage for one of the most explosive opening weekends in the tournament’s four-decade history, kicking off on Saturday, 17 October.
This year’s Episode 43 promises a gruelling pre-season test for the athletes and a premium prime-time entertainment experience for the fans.
The Main Cup (Clubs Category) quarter-finals will be headlined by a massive heavyweight clash as defending champions Menengai Oilers launch their title defence against rivals KCB Rugby, a mouth-watering repeat of last year’s fixture. Meanwhile, the host club, Impala Gazelles, will face their Ngong Road neighbours and last year’s losing finalists, Nondies, in a highly anticipated derby. The Club quarter-finals are rounded out by 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, which heads straight into the semi-finals, features defending champions Mwamba Ladies battling Northern Suburbs, while the hosts, Impala Roans, face a formidable test against Harlequin Queens.
“The matchups drawn today reflect exactly what Floodies is all about: there are no easy games under the lights,” said Loren Lubanga,the Floodlights Chairman. “The 15s season isn’t handed to you; it is built when no one is watching and tested in prime time. Episode 43 is going to be an absolute spectacle of grit and high-level rugby.”
The elevated experience of Episode 43 is backed by a robust coalition of corporate partners dedicated to growing the Kenyan game. Impala RFC proudly recognises 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 – 17, 24 and 31 October – at the Impala Grounds along Ngong Road.
Advance tickets for the opening weekend are now officially live. Fans are encouraged to secure their spots early via the official TikoHUB ticketing portal before gate prices take effect.
