By Samuel Ouma
Kenya Sevens legend Collins Injera announced his retirement from professional rugby on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.
“Everything must come to an end, sometime.I have always said that I will know it’s time, because my body will tell me. And for the past few months it has really ‘spoken’ to me so, finally, I have decided to listen to it. As hard as this is for me,after 17 years of literal blood, sweat and tears, it’s time to step away from this great game that has given me so much more than I could ever ask for,” said Injera in a statement.
Injera expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for enabling him to pray rugby for 17 years. He also thanked his family, teammates, fans, coaches, media and sponsors for their support.
“Thank you, Lord,for giving me the strength,opportunities, and protection to be able to play the game Ireally love for this long,” he said.
“To my wife Chebet and my kids; Chloe, Clyde, and Carl, thank you very much for all the love, support and understanding you have given me all these years. Those days, weeks, and sometimes months that you have endured without my presence as I was busy chasing my dream across the globe are finally over.”
“To all my teammates,coaches, management and opponents, thank you all for the memories we have created both on and off the field. We have shared some very high and low moments together. Thank you for being part of my journey and helping me achieve my dreams.”
On life after rugby, he revealed that he will now concentrate on his humanitarian work and join a global satellite business (and UN Sustainable Development Goals Quality Education Partner), Avanti Communications, in an exciting new role to support its East African operations.
He began his rugby career with Ulinzi before moving on to Mwamba. He also competed in the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and was a Singapore Sevens winning squad member in 2016.
