The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has announced a significant transformation of the Eric Shirley Shield (ESS) Cup, which will be reformatted into an Under-20 league beginning next season. The decision was unveiled alongside the appointment of Harriet Okach as the new chairperson of the Union, marking a new chapter in Kenya’s rugby administration.
This strategic shift is part of a broader developmental agenda aimed at nurturing young rugby talent and addressing critical gaps in the youth rugby structure, particularly affecting the national U20 team, Chipu. Currently, the U20 squad struggles to secure sufficient game time due to reliance on club call-ups, which can be inconsistent and limiting.
KRU’s 15s Rugby Director, Moses Mukabane, emphasized the importance of providing a stable and consistent platform for youth development. He noted that many U20 players lack adequate exposure due to the fragmented nature of the current system. By creating a dedicated U20 league, the Union aims to consolidate young talent across the country and provide a focused pathway for players transitioning into senior rugby.
Another factor driving the reform is the growing challenge clubs face in fielding second teams regularly. In recent ESS seasons, several matches have been forfeited because clubs couldn’t sustain the squad depth required to maintain both first and second teams. By shifting the ESS into a youth-oriented competition, the KRU hopes to alleviate these logistical pressures on clubs.
Though the reformatting centers on U20 players, there is a proposal to allow a limited number of senior players up to five or six per team to participate. This hybrid model is still under discussion but could help maintain competitiveness and support young players’ development through mentorship and continuity within clubs.
The transformation also considers financial sustainability. Streamlining the ESS into a youth league is expected to reduce the financial burden on clubs and make the competition more appealing to sponsors. KRU anticipates that the revamped format will open doors for new partnerships and long-term investments in the sport.
Established in 1962, the Eric Shirley Shield has historically been Kenya’s second-tier rugby competition, serving as a critical feeder system for Kenya Cup clubs. Teams like KCB II, Impala II, Homeboyz II, and most recently, Menengai Oilers II, have used the ESS to groom emerging talent. The new format marks a departure from its traditional role, but KRU believes this evolution is necessary to align with modern development goals.
Discussions between KRU and participating clubs are ongoing to finalize operational logistics and zoning structures. While the format is not yet set in stone, the vision is clear: to create a robust, financially viable U20 competition that nurtures Kenya’s next generation of rugby stars.
