From Desert Roses to Lionesses: Naomi Jelagat’s inspiring journey to rugby stardom
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Reading Time: 5min | Fri. 13.06.25. | 07:03
From Nakuru’s football fields to Nairobi’s rugby pitches, she has shown that potential, paired with perseverance, knows no limits
The rugby pitch on Ngong Road pulses with raw energy. The Kenya Lionesses lock into a scrum against Madagascar in the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup. In the heart of the pack, Naomi Jelagat anchors the second row, her gaze steely, her body braced for impact.
As the ball breaks free, the Lionesses surge, clinching a commanding 28-5 victory, a win that echoes their rising strength and Jelagat’s quiet, resolute presence.
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For the Nakuru native, this moment is more than a scoreline; it is a milestone in a journey that began on a football field, shaped by courage, adaptability, and an unrelenting passion for sport.
Jelagat’s story is one of bold transformation. Once a standout footballer with the Kenyatta University Desert Roses, she swapped the football pitch for the rugby field, embracing a sport that tested her limits and redefined her potential.
Now a vital player in the Kenya Lionesses’ Rugby 15s squad, Jelagat has risen from local talent to national star, representing Kenya in high-stakes tournaments and inspiring a new wave of athletes. Her path, paved with determination and resilience, shines a light on the growth of women’s rugby in Kenya and the power of chasing a dream.
Born and raised in Nakuru, Jelagat was drawn to sports from a young age.
“I have always had a strong interest in sports,” says Jelagat. “It naturally led me to explore different activities." At Nakuru Girls High School, football captured her heart. “I loved the competitive spirit and the sense of unity on the field,” she recalls. “Playing football gave me a real sense of purpose and joy.”
Her skill between the goalposts earned her a place in the Kenyatta University Desert Roses during her college years. “Football taught me discipline, teamwork, and mental focus; those are values I have carried with me.” Those early years shaped her athletic identity, laying a foundation of speed and strategy that would prove invaluable in her next chapter.
Yet, beneath her success, Jelagat felt a pull for something more—a challenge that would stretch her beyond the familiar. Football had given her a start, but rugby would demand her all.
Transitioning from football to rugby was a leap into the unknown. Rugby’s bruising tackles, complex set pieces, and relentless pace required a new kind of athleticism. For Jelagat, the challenge was magnetic. “The physical, fast-paced nature of rugby really appealed to me. I wanted a new challenge.” Drawn by the sport’s intensity, she stepped onto the rugby pitch for the first time, nervous and excited.
That debut was unforgettable. “It was intense but exciting,” Jelagat recalls. “I felt both nervous and energized, and that first game confirmed I had made the right choice.” But the shift was not without hurdles. Rugby’s rules, physical demands, and team dynamics were a stark departure from football.
“Adjusting took time, the style of play was so different,” she admits. She had to rewire her instincts, build new skills, and embrace the sport’s unforgiving nature. Her football roots helped her agility, speed, and spatial awareness, giving her a head start. But rugby demanded a mental and physical resilience she was still forging.
Coaches and teammates became her anchors. “I was lucky to have some great coaches and mentors who believed in me." Their support, paired with her relentless work ethic, fueled her rise. She immersed herself in training, absorbing the nuances of rugby’s tactical depth. By 2022, her efforts bore fruit: a call-up to the Kenya Lionesses, the national women’s Rugby 15s team. “It was surreal and emotional,” she says. “A huge milestone and a moment of pride I’ll never forget.”
Since her debut, Jelagat has become a regular player for the Lionesses. “Every step has been meaningful,” she says. “From my first cap to competing in major tournaments, it’s been an amazing journey.”
Those tournaments have delivered triumphs and trials. The Lionesses have savored victories, like their dominant showing against Madagascar, but also weathered losses, including a 63-5 defeat to South Africa in 2024 and a narrow 16-15 loss to Colombia in 2021. Through it all, Jelagat’s resolve holds firm. “Competing at this level is not easy; the training, travel, and expectations can be overwhelming. But I stay motivated by focusing on my goals and surrounding myself with positive support. Mental preparation is just as important as physical fitness. I make time to reflect, reset, and stay focused.”
Her football-honed skills give her an edge, but her embrace of rugby’s strategic complexity has elevated her game. “Since I started playing, my view of the game has completely changed. I now appreciate the teamwork and mental toughness rugby demands,” she offers.
Jelagat’s journey transcends personal achievement; it is a catalyst for women’s rugby in Kenya. The sport, once overshadowed, is gaining momentum, with the Lionesses at the forefront. Their campaigns, including the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, have spotlighted Kenyan women’s potential on the world stage. Jelagat sees herself as both competitor and catalyst. “My future goals are focused on continuous growth,” she says. “I want to help the Kenya Lionesses reach new heights in international competitions.”
Her story inspires beyond the field. As a woman in a grueling sport, Jelagat has faced stereotypes and doubters, yet she remains undaunted. “For young athletes considering a sport switch or aiming for the top in rugby, my advice is to stay patient, work hard every day, and be open to learning,” she says. “Believe in your potential and never give up, even when the road gets tough.”
Reflecting on her path, Jelagat takes pride in her evolution. “I am really proud of how I transitioned from football to rugby and made it to the national team. It has been a journey full of learning and determination.”
From Nakuru’s football fields to Nairobi’s rugby pitches, she has shown that potential, paired with perseverance, knows no limits.
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