Come rain or sunshine, they are always there to ensure rugby tournaments run smoothly. The ball girls/boys and score board attendants are the unsung heroes in Nakuru’s rugby community.

Mtaa Wangu caught up with the young girls and boys during their age grade training at the Nakuru Athletics Club (NAC), to have a chat with them on the role they play during tournaments.

We are welcomed by their trainer Olivia Igadwa, who notes that the children are players from the Nakuru RFC age graded program.

Olivia Igadwa training the age grade rugby players at the Nakuru Athletics club on September 21 ,2024 .

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Olivia confirms that the young players are abreast with rugby rules, mostly acquired from watching tournaments.

To understand the intricacies of being a ball boy and manning the scoreboard, we sit with Brian Mose, a grade eight student from Nakuru West, who shares that he started serving as a ball boy five years ago when he joined the Nakuru RFC age grade program.

He says it’s an honour to serve as a ball boy, mentioning that this gives him a chance to interact with the players off the pitch as the games go on.

“For me, it's not just about switching scores. Supporting as a ball boy and on the scoreboard makes me feel like I am part of the fabric shaping the club. I never miss any tournaments because I count this as my journey to one day donning the Kenyan Jersey and playing for my country in the national team. Seeing people who started off in the clubs as age grade now playing professional rugby inspires me,” he says.

Mose adds that whether it rains or the scorching sun is up, he is always proud to update the scores as teams make their tries.

For Delphine Hawi, playing in the under 12, the discipline inculcated by the sport is what attracted her to rugby.

Delphine Hawi switching Scores at the scoreboard at Nakuru Athletics club on September 21, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

She says she joined rugby because of her sister who played in the under 14.

Hawi notes her contribution in the just concluded Prinsloo 7s as a scoreboard attendant and a ball girl, saying the opportunity gave her more purpose as a young rugby player.

"For you to be selected as a scoreboard attendant you have to show your commitment to the sport. That's why I always come for training and arrive on time before tournaments start. By being disciplined, I get a chance to support my favourite player Javan Otieno from Wanyore and this makes me happy," she notes.

Commenting on the appreciation that players get for helping in tournaments, Ms Olivia notes that the young players get meals for the day and transport back home.

She however notes, that just as most promising players and most valuable players are awarded, clubs and tournament organisers should find a way to honour and celebrate the young children who support rugby from the side lines.

The unsung heroes of Nakuru's rugby tournaments

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Purity Kinuthia