Kenyan rugby stars illuminating the international world

Kenya’s passion for rugby is no secret, with a rich history in the sport that continues to produce exceptional talent. While the national teams, the Simbas, Shujaa, and Lionesses garner attention on the international scene, several Kenyan rugby players have also made their mark abroad, both as players and coaches.

Today, Mozzart Sport shines a light on some of these remarkable individuals who are elevating Kenya rugby’s reputation across the globe.

Philadelphia Orlando

Two-time Olympian Philadelphia Orlando has been coaching in the United Arab Emirates for two years now where she is mandated with helping the development of the women’s game in the country and to pass on her considerable experience.

The 32-year-old called time on her playing career in 2021, following Kenya’s Rugby World Cup 2021 qualification defeat to Colombia. She also participated in her second Olympic Games in Tokyo 2021 before earning her first coaching gig.

Orlando has been part of the Lionesses setup for almost a decade and has been a core figure in the team’s rise to dominance in the continent.

The UAE is looking to grow the rugby game in their country and Olando’s experience is one they will heavily rely on. The Kenyan has not only played in two Olympics but has skippered the Lionesses in countless tours in their bid to gain core status in the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series.

Monate Akuei

Former Nakuru RFC and Kenya Simbas back rower Monate Akuei joined Major League Rugby Champions Rugby New York in April this year and has since produced stellar performance. 

While in Kenya, Monate was part of the 2018 Chipu squad that participated in the Currie Cup that year. He was also part of the Kenya Simbas squad that won the Elgon Cup and finished second in the Victoria Cup.

Former Nakuru RFC and Chipu forward joins American Major League champions

Janet Okello

The speedster joined MIE Pearls Women’s Rugby Football Club in March 2022 on a one-year contract a few weeks after inspiring Mwamba to win the inaugural Women’s Kenya Cup by stunning hosts Impala 15-11.

She returned home in early February before traveling back to Japan on February 23 for new contract negotiations which were successful and her contract was extended.

Okello is the first Kenyan to play rugby professionally in Japan. Okello was part of the team which competed at the 2022 Africa Women’s Sevens in Tunisia where the Kenya Lionesses missed out on the ticket for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, and Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town, South Africa after finishing in a disappointing fifth place.

Grace Odhiambo

Kenya Lionesses playmaker Grace Odhiambo left the Lionesses following a six-month contract with Japanese Kitakyushu-based Nagato Blue Angels in February 2023. She became the second Lioness to play in Japan after Janet Okello who joined Japanese side MIE Pearls Women’s Rugby Football Club in March 2022.

The SJAK Sports Personality of the Month for November 2022 has since been instrumental in the club’s local sevens campaign which kicked off in February and will run till July.

Thomas Okeyo

Former Nakuru RFC and Kenya Simbas utility forward Thomas Okeyo made his Currie Cup Premier Division debut for the South African Griffons when they played against defending champions, Pumas on Sunday 16 April.

 He also made history as the first Kenyan to play in the Currie Cup Premier Division. Okeyo first played for Kenya Simbas in 2021 and was part of the squad that played the Rugby World Cup (RWC) qualifiers.