In the just-concluded Great Rift 10 Aside tournament, played under relentless rain, one name cut through the heavy showers; Cyprian Ombaso.

Though his team, Nakuru RFC (Wanyore), bowed out in the semi-finals after a hard-fought 17–5 loss to city rivals Menengai Oilers, Ombaso’s commanding presence on the pitch earned him the Most Promising Player of the Tournament award (MPP).

“We were eliminated in the semis after giving a tough show with my teammates,” he says in an interview with Mtaa Wangu. “I told myself we gave our very best and thought we would only get medals for the day. I didn’t see the MPP title coming and with it a brand-new phone. It was a dream come true to be recognized in this manner.”

The 23 years old says the award is part of a bigger journey.

Born in Likoni, Ombaso was introduced to sports at an early age through a local academy. His passion for rugby, however, was sparked unexpectedly, while watching a Springboks match on TV with his father.

Captivated by the intensity of the game, he joined Rugby Gem Academy, beginning his path into competitive rugby.

Cyprian Ombaso awarded a brand new phone by Shabab MCA Davis Wathiai after being named the Most Promising Player during the 32nd edition of the Great Rift 10 Aside tournament held at the Nakuru Athletics Club on April 20,2025.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Ombaso made his first appearance in 2017 while in Form One at St. Francis Kisigame, and soon earned a sports scholarship to Kaya Tiwi High School, where he played at the national level.

Later, he transferred to Nduru Boys High School in Kisii, where he completed his secondary education.

Ombaso's talent opened doors.

He secured a scholarship to Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), where he developed into a strong tactical fly-half for the varsity team.

In 2024, Ombaso was named Most Valuable Player at the Betika 10s – Western Region, where MMUST emerged champions.

His performance caught the attention of Nakuru RFC, and in the December 2024 transfer window, he officially joined the club, a childhood dream fulfilled.

“I fell in love with Wanyore during an age-grade trip to the Prinsloo 7s,” he recalls. “I loved the club, the players, and especially the jersey. Wearing it now means a lot.”

The procurement graduate says his goals now stretch beyond local acclaim. Ombaso has his sights set on the Kenya national Sevens team and eventually playing professionally abroad.

But at the heart of his journey is an unwavering source of inspiration; his mother.

“Although she never liked the idea of me playing rugby, she warmed up to it after it earned me scholarships,” he shares.

“Before that, she would punish me by denying me meals when I came home late with grass burn injuries after training. Looking back, we laugh about it now. She did it out of love.”

Ombaso says today, his mother is one of his biggest supporters other than his brother.

“Whenever I show her clips from my games, she is always mesmerized. Even commenting on how I topple huge men on the pitch,” he says with a smile, adding that, one of his greatest wishes is to one day see her in the stands, cheering him on in person.

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Purity Kinuthia