How watching from the sidelines fueled Joshua Chisanga’s rugby comeback
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 29.01.25. | 12:17
This season, Chisanga made a triumphant return, donning the Kenya Harlequin jersey under the stewardship of coach Paul Murunga
Joshua Chisanga is no stranger to Kenyan rugby fans. A powerhouse on the field, the burly forward has etched his name in the sport’s history as the first Kenyan to play in the English Rugby Premiership with Newcastle Falcons.
However, after stepping away from professional rugby in 2021 to focus on fitness and entrepreneurship, many wondered if he would ever return to the pitch.
This season, Chisanga made a triumphant return, donning the Kenya Harlequin jersey under the stewardship of coach Paul Murunga.
For Chisanga, the transition back has not been without challenges.
“Four years is a long time. I have expectations of myself, but I know time plays a big role. Rugby fitness versus normal fitness is quite different. I’ve been away from the game for just a little over four years, and I’m still finding my step just like I used to," he said in an interview with Mozzart Sport.
Chisanga is known for his incredible powerlifting abilities, including holding one of the heaviest deadlifts in Kenyan rugby.
He has always maintained top-tier physical fitness. However, as he noted, the demands of rugby go beyond just strength and endurance.
“Rugby is a contact sport. That aspect of contact is the main difference. It’s not just lifting weights or running. The kind of fitness required for contact sports is different," the man mountain said.
Despite these hurdles, Chisanga’s performance in the five Kenya Cup matches played so far shows a player rediscovering his rhythm.
“I feel like I am picking up slowly but surely,” he shared.
While his return has bolstered the forwards' department, the team’s recent performances highlight areas for improvement.
Reflecting on the back-to-back losses to Menengai Oilers and Ngong Road arch-rivals Nondies, he pointed out critical issues.
“The teams that defeated us are good. They did their homework, were structured, and knew how to diffuse us. Our mistakes also did not help. Things like missed set pieces, indiscipline in the breakdown, and ball-handling errors," he opened.
Chisanga emphasized the importance of focusing on the basics to regain their winning form.
“Set pieces are crucial. We missed lineouts, our defense was shaky, and Timothy Omela punished us with the boot. It’s just the little things we need to correct," he said.
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The former Homeboyz RFC forward further remained optimistic that he would reach his best form in due time.
“The Kenya Cup is good. I’m still finding my step, but I know with time, everything will fall into place," he concluded.
Chisanga was the first Kenyan to play in the English Rugby Premiership with Newcastle Falcons. He also boasts a diverse rugby career that includes stints in Poland’s Ekstraliga with RC Orkan Sochaczew and a long tenure with Homeboyz RFC before joining Kenya Harlequin.
Beyond rugby, Chisanga is a dedicated strength and conditioning coach, fitness consultant, and business owner. His impressive powerlifting skills, including holding one of the heaviest deadlifts in Kenyan rugby, underline his dedication to physical fitness.
