Missed Olympic dream highlights urgent need for revamping Kenyan women's rugby

The Kenya Lionesses' [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The national women's rugby Sevens team, Kenya Lionesses, fell short of securing a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, losing 24-7 to China in the final of the World Rugby Sevens Repechage in Monaco.

This setback underscores the urgent need to address the challenges that plague women’s rugby in Kenya and highlights the necessary steps for improvement.

One of the most pressing issues facing the Lionesses is the lack of financial support.

This extends from inadequate funding for training camps and international competitions, to insufficient player salaries.

Without proper financial backing, the team struggles to prepare adequately for the global stage. This lack of resources hampers their ability to compete effectively against well-funded teams like China.

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) must prioritise securing sponsorships and partnerships to provide the Lionesses with the necessary financial support.

Engaging with corporate sponsors, government agencies, and international rugby bodies can help bridge the funding gap.

Additionally, establishing a robust fundraising strategy involving the Kenyan diaspora and rugby enthusiasts worldwide could inject much-needed capital into the women’s rugby program.

Another significant challenge is the absence of a well-structured local women’s rugby league.

A competitive domestic league is crucial for nurturing talent, providing regular competitive matches, and developing players' skills.

Currently, the opportunities for women to play rugby in Kenya are limited, and the existing league lacks the organization and consistency needed to produce world-class athletes.

Currently, the opportunities for women to play rugby in Kenya are limited, and the existing league lacks the organization and consistency needed to produce world-class athletes.

The KRU should develop a comprehensive framework for a national women’s rugby league.

This would involve creating multiple divisions to cater to different skill levels, implementing a regular season with adequate fixtures, and ensuring proper officiating and coaching standards.

Investing in grassroots programs and school competitions can help create a steady pipeline of talent feeding into the national league.

Grassroots development is vital for the long-term success of women’s rugby in Kenya. Secondary schools are a major feeder source for Kenya’s future stars across various sports, including rugby.

However, the current infrastructure and support for rugby at the school level are inadequate. To address this, the KRU needs to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and local communities to promote rugby in schools.

Introducing rugby programs in secondary schools, providing training for physical education teachers, and organizing inter-school competitions can help identify and nurture young talent.

Moreover, establishing rugby academies that offer specialized training and educational support can ensure that promising players receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed.

The quality of coaching is a significant factor in developing competitive teams. The Lionesses would benefit from enhanced coaching and technical support.

Currently, there is a shortage of qualified coaches with experience in women’s rugby, which hampers player development and team performance.

Low media visibility is another challenge that affects women’s rugby in Kenya. Without adequate media coverage, the Lionesses struggle to gain the recognition and support they deserve.

Increasing media visibility can help attract sponsors, inspire young girls to take up the sport, and build a larger fan base.

The KRU should work with media partners to ensure regular coverage of women’s rugby events, including live broadcasts of matches, feature stories on players, and in-depth analysis of the league.

Leveraging social media platforms to promote the team and engage with fans can also enhance visibility and build a strong community around women’s rugby.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Sevens men's team faces a formidable challenge at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, having been pooled against heavyweights Argentina, Samoa, and Australia in Group B.

The team's chances hinge on their preparation, strategic play, and the ability to perform under pressure.