It has now been 13 years since the Nakuru women rugby team was established.

Now, this team has become a force to be reckoned with within the world of rugby.

The team started in 2011 from age grade rugby Newlife Africa School.

Under the stewardship of Andy Berry, the Late Erick Situma, the late Crispus Mwakai and Felix Oloo, the girls had a successful tour in the United Kingdom courtesy of Touraid.

The tour gave the club a new chapter, as it was through this, that the number of the members grew from 45 to 60.

As girls from other schools joined, the team was renamed from New Life Age Grade to Nakuru ladies team.

Over the years, the team has had many achievements, winning the 2019, 10's women rugby league, Kabeberi 7's winners and the 2014 Prinsloo winners.

Nakuru women rugby team celebrate winning Prinsloo 7s in 2014.

Photo credit: COURTESY

The team now consists of 40 players. Aged between 16 and 30 years.

Speaking to Olivia Igadwah the representative of Nakuru women rugby team, she says her most memorable match during the 10s aside tournament in 2019.

"We faced the Impala ladies team in an intense match and we managed to emerge victorious. I must say this was one of the greatest achievements we have had as a club," she said.

She continues to say that the team endures a myriad of challenges, the main one being lack of sponsorship.

"Getting a sponsorship would go a long way in ensuring the ladies get kits for training, allowances, food after training sessions and school fees for those still schooling," she said.

She says that the team is doing their best in terms of performance but they strive for greater things such as winning the Kenya Cup ladies league and having a large number of players joining the Kenya team.

"Performance is not at its peak since most players are young and still in school but we are doing our best. Our players are bold enough to face the other ladies from other clubs," she said.

She concludes by saying that the club is a community rugby club and it is free for whoever wants to join. The only requirement is to have a big heart and have values of a rugby player.

"We would just want to appeal to well-wishers to come on board and sponsor our team. We are Nakuru women RFC and we will always impress our fans," she said.

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"They gave it their all’: Coach proud as Nakuru women’s rugby team takes fifth place

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Bret Sanya