The Prinsloo Sevens Tournament that went down during the weekend had many highlights.

But the most striking moment was when James Macharia, a student at Stafford boys high school, was named the most promising player.

Watch: Macharia receives the most promising player award

In an exclusive interview with Mtaa Wangu, the 19-year-old shares that he first got into rugby due to his love for chicken.

James Machari pulls a kick during a game at Nakuru Athletics Club.

Photo credit: COURTESY

"I would see rugby players come back from practice carrying a bag of chicken with them. Given my humble upbringing, I'd only see chicken during Christmas. I saw rugby as an opportunity to get a constant supply of chicken,” he reminisces with a smile on his face.

Macharia shares that his dream of constant chicken supply became a reality when his primary school teacher, Mr. Felix Oloo, suggested he join the primary school's rugby team.

See: Veteran rugby player Larry Okinyi gives history of Nakuru RFC and 10-Aside

An elated Macharia said yes to the offer not knowing that years later, he would come to be crowned Prinsloo's Most Promising Player.

James Macharia receives his Most Promising Player at the Prinsloo Sevens Tournament from Konye Njoroge, a rugby supporter.

Photo credit: KENYA RUGBY UNION

The rugby player grew up in Ponda Mali, a place he describes as a rough place for any child to grow in.

"With the financial struggles I saw my family experience, I knew I had to get a way to escape my reality and rugby offered me just that. Rugby additionally helped me keep busy and not be part of the criminal activities young men in my neighbourhood engage in," he notes.

Watch: Dennis Abukuse on how he joined Shujaa rugby team

Through rugby, Macharia has been able to secure scholarships to help him stay in school regardless of how tough the financial situation is back at home. He kept playing rugby even after he joined high school where he was scouted.

His first big rugby match was back in 2021 when he played at the Mwamba Cup, an experience he vividly describes as 'eye-opening'.

"I got to interact with so many good and experienced players who helped me take note of things and techniques I needed to know to help me grow into a better player."

James Macharia receiving the Most valuable Players award from Nakuru county sports CECM during the great rift 10 aside tournament held at Nakuru Athletics Club

Photo credit: COURTESY

Macharia attributes his recognition to the constant and strenuous practice sessions, and his various role models with his top being KCB's, Samuel Asati.

When asked what his most memorable experience is he shares, "When I got an opportunity to travel to the UK where apart from playing rugby, I got to meet Chelsea's previous captain, John Terry. "

The rugby player who plays in the number 9 position, also known as a scrumhalf shares that the sky is the limit for his rugby career.

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19-year-old defies all odds to be crowned Prinsloo's most promising rugby player

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Diligence Odongo