Harlequins coach opens up on off-field strategy driving team’s hunt for first win of 2026

Kenya Harlequin may still be searching for their first win of 2026, but beneath the results lies a team quietly rebuilding itself through resilience, clarity of purpose, and significant off-field work.

That was evident on Saturday, 17 January, when Quins pushed former champions KCB Rugby in a spirited Kenya Cup Week Five encounter at the KCB Sports Club, eventually going down 24 to 12.

While the scoreline read as a loss, head coach Patrice Agunda came away encouraged by what he saw.

"We have freed ourselves from the pressure of winning and losing. Our focus is on the process. Are we playing the way we want to play? As long as we stick to that, we give ourselves a chance," Agunda said after the match.

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From turmoil to rebuilding

Quins’ renewed competitiveness comes against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s recent history.

In September 2025, internal unrest erupted within the team, stemming from frustrations over the club’s payment structure. The standoff, which began shortly after the Embu Sevens, escalated into player boycotts and tense engagements with club leadership.

Matters came to a head during a stormy meeting at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday, 20 September, where players were reportedly given an ultimatum: accept the existing payment model or request to leave.

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A poll later conducted on the team’s official WhatsApp group revealed overwhelming support for departure should the structure remain unchanged, with more than 30 players voting to walk away.

In the aftermath, the club confirmed that 38 players would be released, including key starters and game-changers such as Amon Wamalwa, Lucky Dewald, and Arnold Onzere.

For Agunda, the exodus left little choice but to start afresh with a significantly trimmed and inexperienced squad.

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Signs of growth on the pitch

While Quins failed to defend their National Sevens Circuit title, their Kenya Cup campaign has shown gradual improvement.

They opened the season with a 23 to 18 win over Nakuru RFC, followed by a 24 to 13 victory against MMUST Rugby, before ending 2025 with a 40 to 26 loss to Kenyatta University Blak Blad.

This year has been tougher in terms of results, with defeats to Nondies 32 to 22 and KCB, but the performances, particularly against the Bankers, highlighted a team growing in belief and structure.

"That was a good match. The boys showed a lot of heart. They remained composed, knew what they wanted, and played according to our plan. We came up short, but I am very proud of what we are building as a team. We will take the lessons and move forward," Agunda reflected.

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Building beyond rugby

Central to Quins’ resurgence is the work being done away from matchday pressure. Agunda revealed that their foundation is rooted in togetherness, trust, and personal growth.

"The most important thing for us is caring for each other as a team and showing that we want to play better rugby and keep improving step by step," he noted.

That philosophy extends beyond training sessions and tactics. According to Agunda, the squad has placed deliberate emphasis on understanding each other’s lives off the pitch.

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"Off the field, we are working to understand each other better and appreciate what everyone is going through in their lives. We are more than just rugby players. We can add value beyond the game. That is our key focus, providing value wherever we are," he disclosed.

The mindset, he added, is built on embracing adversity rather than avoiding it.

"Our mindset is that, as men, we want things the hard way, not handed to us, so that we can overcome challenges just like in life. That mentality gives us a compass both on and off the field," he revealed.

Trusting the process

While execution lapses still surface during matches, Agunda remains unwavering in his belief that consistency will eventually translate into results.

"There are moments when we have a few lapses in executing our plans, but we trust the process and remain ferocious in how we carry it out," he said.

Up next, Quins will face unbeaten Menengai Oilers in a clash slated for Saturday, 24 January at the RFUEA Grounds.

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