Rising tackle: New KRU committee to lead women’s rugby revolution
A rugby sevens match between New Zealand and Kenya (in red) during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo Stadium on July 29, 2021.
What you need to know:
- Kenya Rugby Union launches Women’s Rugby Committee to professionalise, empower, and grow the sport nationwide.
- Historic win inspires KRU to form the strategic team advancing equity, talent, and sustainability in women's rugby.
In a groundbreaking move to uplift the profile of women’s rugby, the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has unveiled a dedicated committee, an ambitious stride towards professionalising and empowering women in the game.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as Kenya Lionesses prepare for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Madagascar in June. Over 50 players are currently participating in an intensive 11-day training camp, reflecting the team’s ambition to build on recent success.
Last March, Lionesses made history by winning the first leg of the 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Cape Town, South Africa, their first-ever international tournament victory.
Elated head coach Dennis Mwanja hailed the achievement, saying, “This is a great milestone for the team, as we have never achieved such a feat before. This might be the best Lionesses team ever.”
The newly launched Women’s Rugby Committee is a convergence of powerhouses drawn from corporate governance, coaching, communications, and sports development. They are mandated to drive growth, enhance visibility, and protect the welfare of players across all levels, right from the grassroots.
At the heart of its work is a five-point strategic framework aimed at transforming the sport into a more inclusive and sustainable space. These include establishing strong governance and safeguarding policies, deepening grassroots talent development, and bolstering strategic partnerships. This is in addition to championing media visibility and inclusive storytelling, and embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into the sport.
“Leadership in rugby is about fostering inclusivity and ensuring that every player, coach, and administrator has the right platform to succeed,” said KRU chair Sasha Mutai during the launch on May 19. “This committee reflects our commitment to the growth and sustainability of women’s rugby in Kenya.”
Nisha Van Hoek, co-chair of the committee and a seasoned advocate for inclusive communication, said driving growth of women’s rugby requires passion, purposeful communication and inclusive leadership. Unlike in the past when women’s rugby was often overshadowed or treated as an offshoot of the men’s game, the team seeks to chart a distinctive journey.
“The women’s committee is a welcome addition to our structures,” noted Thomas Odundo, KRU chief executive officer. “It allows the game to grow along its own unique path, one that is not necessarily tied to the men’s journey.”
Paula Lanco, a key figure in rugby governance at KRU, Rugby Africa, and World Rugby, described the committee’s work as an investment that not only empowers women in rugby but also drives the future growth of the sport. “With this committee, we are laying a strong foundation for sustained growth and global competitiveness.”