From Kenya to Romania: The remarkable rise of rugby sensation Conellias Mokoro

Conellias Mokoro in action.[Courtesy]

In the vibrant rugby scene of Nairobi, a young halfback named Conellias Mokoro was making waves with his speed, agility, and vision on the field. With each game, his star shone a little brighter, catching the attention of scouts far beyond the borders of Kenya.

Fast forward to the end of May, and Mokoro’s life had taken a thrilling turn as he announced his departure from Kenya Harlequin to join Romanian club CSA Steaua, becoming the fourth player from Quins to make the journey to Romania.

Known for his dreadlocks and dynamic play style, the number nine had already made his mark in Kenyan rugby circles.

He had represented his country at various levels, from the Kenya U20 national team, known as Chipu, to the Morans, and eventually to the Shujaa, Kenya's famed sevens team.

Before heading to Romania, Mokoro was competing with the Morans at the All Africa 7s Games in Ghana, a testament to his growing influence in the sport.

Mokoro revealed his new life in Romania, the challenges he faces, and his aspirations as a rugby player.

The transition, he admits, hasn’t been without its hurdles. Adapting to an entirely new environment has required Mokoro to navigate a different play style as well as adjust to cultural differences and a new way of life.

“The experience so far has been positive, and I am starting to fit in with the team. Initially, it was tough to get used to everything, but now I feel more settled both in terms of rugby and my daily life,” Mokoro shared.

One of the main obstacles he faced was the language barrier, which made communication difficult at first. However, Mokoro is learning to converse more comfortably with those around him.

Despite these challenges, Mokoro expressed gratitude for the warmth and kindness shown by his teammates and coaches, who have gone out of their way to ensure his comfort.

"My new teammates and coaches have been incredibly supportive. They help me with everything, both on and off the pitch. We often spend time together outside of training, like going for coffee after sessions. These moments have really helped me feel like part of the team," Mokoro said, reflecting on the camaraderie that has eased his transition.

One of the significant differences Mokoro noted between playing in Kenya and Romania is the structured and intense nature of the training sessions.

“The training schedule here is completely different. We have multiple short sessions throughout the day, whereas in Kenya, we’d typically have one longer training session in the evening,” he explained.

This regimented approach has been a new experience for Mokoro, pushing him to refine his skills to meet the high standards of his new environment.

The level of competition in Romania is intense, and Mokoro acknowledges that it has motivated him to focus on improving his overall game.

"Every day in this sport offers an opportunity to learn something new. I’m constantly working on my general skills to match the high level of play here," Mokoro noted.

Maintaining connections with family and friends back in Kenya is important to Mokoro, who regularly uses phone and video calls to stay in touch. Despite being miles away, these conversations provide him with a sense of home and continuity.

While his journey in Romanian rugby has only just begun, Mokoro recognizes this moment as a high point in his career. Playing at this level offers him exposure to elite competition and professional training, which he believes will be crucial for his growth as a player.

“I’ve been given a chance to go places I never imagined, to meet new people, and to learn a new language and culture. My goal is to establish myself in this rugby union and, hopefully, open doors for other Kenyan players to have similar opportunities,” Mokoro concluded, his eyes set on both personal success and paving the way for future generations.

Conellias Mokoro’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. As he continues to carve out his path in Romania, he joins the ranks of fellow Kenyans like Ian Njenga, Geoffrey Okwach, and Malcolm Onsando, proving that Kenyan talent can thrive on the global stage.