Kenya Sevens scrum-half on recovering from career-threatening neck injury
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 11.02.26. | 10:34
The incident affected both his balance and vision, forcing him into an extended period away from competitive rugby
Kenya Sevens scrum-half Brian Tanga has opened up on his long and arduous road to recovery after suffering a serious neck injury that once threatened to end his rugby career.
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The Kabras RFC playmaker sustained the injury on Sunday, 18 September 2025, during the Dala 7s tournament while featuring in a quarterfinal clash against Nakuru RFC.
The incident affected both his balance and vision, forcing him into an extended period away from competitive rugby.
“I suffered an injury during the 2025 Dala 7s while playing against Nakuru RFC in the quarterfinal. I hurt my neck, which affected my balance and vision, but now I’m feeling much better,” Tanga told Mozzart Sport.
The recovery process proved physically and emotionally demanding, involving consultations with multiple neurosurgeons and months of careful rehabilitation.
“The healing journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve visited many neurosurgeons, and while their efforts have brought me to this point, it has certainly been a challenging process,” he said.
At the height of the ordeal, the scrum-half feared his playing days could be over. However, steady progress over the past months has restored both his confidence and hope of returning to the pitch.
“At first, I feared it might be the end of my playing career, but thank God I’m still here. I’ve been training for the past two months, and the progress, both mentally and emotionally, has been incredible, thanks to my teammates and coaches,” he said.
Tanga also used his experience to highlight the seriousness of head and neck injuries in rugby, urging players to prioritise health over a quick return to action.
“Head injuries are serious. If you suffer one, take a break. Don’t rush back into action; your health comes first. Rugby will always be there, but your recovery is the priority,” he cautioned.
Despite acknowledging imperfections in medical care, he expressed gratitude to the specialists who supported his rehabilitation.
“Not all neurosurgeons are perfect, but I’m grateful for the care I’ve received; they’ve helped me tremendously and continue to support my recovery,” he said.
He concluded with a message of appreciation to supporters.
“To all my fans, thank you for your support. I’m coming back soon.”
Tanga will, however, miss the upcoming HSBC SVNS Division II opener scheduled for Saturday, 14 to Sunday, 15 February, at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
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KCB Rugby’s scrum-half, Samuel Asati, is set to represent him in his absence as Kenya faces the USA, Uruguay, Germany, Belgium, and Canada in the six-team competition.
After the Nairobi leg, the Division II circuit heads to Montevideo, Uruguay (March 21–22) and São Paulo, Brazil (March 28–29).
The top four teams across the three events will qualify for the SVNS World Championship, where they will battle Division I's leading eight sides for a promotion slot to the 2027 season.