Kenyan rugby starlet to join Tenri University on a scholarship

Kenyan rugby starlet Andy Cole Omolo is set to move to Japan to join Tenri University on an educational scholarship.

KCB Rugby Club’s highly-rated young lock, 21, has established himself as a key player for the Nairobi-based club, scooping multiple Player of The Match Awards this season and he has chipped in with eight tries in nine games.

The former Chavakali High School standout, who will study International Relations in Nara Prefecture, captained Kenya’s u20 side at the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024. He has had a taste of senior rugby for his country in the Elgon Cup and the Rugby Africa Cup. 

Courtesy of KCB Rugby Club

Omolo is held in such high regard that his Kenyan club has retired his number 31 jersey, an honour usually reserved for someone at the end of a long and distinguished career at the top level.

Tenri’s latest international recruit told Pulse Sports: “This is a big step for me and the first step towards becoming a professional rugby player. I am excited about the opportunity to grow both academically and on the pitch in Japan.” 

A club statement said: “We’re delighted to announce that our very own Andy Cole Omollo will be heading to Tenri University in Japan on an educational scholarship, where he will further his studies while playing rugby at a high level.

“As a club, we remain committed to developing well-rounded athletes by supporting both their sporting and academic journeys, and this milestone is a true reflection of that vision.”

KCB Rugby Club, who held a send-off evening for their departing second-row on Thursday, added: “Biggy departs this Saturday, 28th, and as his club and rugby family, we wish him nothing but success in this exciting new chapter. Once a part of us, always a part of us. Ni masomo sio transfer.”

Omolo will join the likes of Tonga-born full-back Saia Filimone, who's the cousin of Japan and Toyota Verblitz centre Siosia Fifita, at Tenri.

The University, which is also known worldwide for its judo programme having produced Olympic champions such as all-time greats Tadahiro Nomura and Shohei Ono, won the All-Japan University Rugby Football Championship in 2020.

Tenri has a strong production line of talent and their alumni includes 22-year-old Kobe Steelers full-back Shunsuke Uenobo who scored a hat-trick on his League One debut in February.