KRU and KUSA forge path for groundbreaking University Rugby League partnership

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Sasha Mutai has unveiled plans to collaborate with the Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) in launching a dynamic and enduring varsity league, inclusive of women’s teams, aimed at bolstering their currently limited participation.

"The varsity league will be a game-changer, encompassing women’s teams to significantly enhance their presence within the sport," Chairman Mutai emphasized.

He further elaborated on the league's structure, highlighting its pivotal role in identifying top talents for the formation of a formidable Kenya University combined team.

In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Mutai acknowledged the necessity of securing sponsors to materialize this ambitious project.

"KRU will work with KUSA on this. We will have a long-term league culminating with the selection of a Kenya University combined team. We are working on it and we will have to start with a sponsor," the chairman affirmed.

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Mutai envisions a future where women’s teams will match the number of men’s teams, fostering greater depth and competitiveness, particularly benefiting the Lionesses in both 7s and 15s formats for local and international engagements.

"We want to have as many girls as possible playing the sport and complement the other competitions we have. Right now, we are thin in terms of numbers," Chairman Mutai expressed, reflecting on the current landscape.

The chairman's vision aligns with recent efforts to promote women's rugby, exemplified by the successful inclusion of the girls' category during the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) rugby 15s games, indicating a concerted drive to nurture talent from grassroots levels.

Despite setbacks faced by the Lionesses 15s team, Mutai remains optimistic about the immense talent pool, stressing the importance of strategic development plans and mentorship.

"The talent is immense. We saw good rugby being played by the girls, and we need to nurture them and get them into various clubs and universities with good coaches," he observed.

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