KRU courts sponsors for this year’s Safari Sevens tournament

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) is in negotiation with global sports and content marketing firm Octagon to sponsor this year’s Safari Sevens rugby tournament.

A source at KRU on Wednesday disclosed that the union initiated the talks on July 15 and Octagon responded to the request on August 19, this year.

Octagon’s reply to KRU’s request for sponsorship came a fortnight after Safaricom Limited, Kenya Airways and Bamburi Cement warned that they would not renew their partnership with the union if directors accused of abetting corruption have not resigned.

This year’s edition of the Safari Sevens is set for October 3 and 4 at a venue yet to be disclosed.

Octagon’s proposals was part of the agenda in KRU board meeting held later Wednesday at the union’s headquarters at the RFUEA grounds.

The source who requested anonymity said that despite the short duration left before this year’s tournament, the South Africa-based company was still interested in partnering KRU.

SPONSORSHIP

“Octagon were confident that with a longer lead time before the tournament, they would easily source for sponsorship,” said the source.

Octagon have laid down conditions for the sponsorship with respect to underwriting the event in whole or in part subject to due diligence, management of commercial and media rights and marketing of the event.

“Octagon also wants to manage event planning and execution including hospitality, suppliers, sponsors and the gate,” said the source.