Brian Mutugi reflects on injury-plagued 2023 National 7s Circuit

Exactly one month ago, the curtains of the thrilling 2023 National 7s Circuit rolled down, with KCB Rugby being crowned winners after seeing off resilient Nakuru RFC 24-0 in the Kabeberi 7s finals played at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

Mwamba RFC hosted the final leg, and despite their rollercoaster of performances, one name that stood out throughout the circuit was that of their speedster Brian Mutugi.

Mutugi was snapped up from Homeboyz RFC during the June transfer window. He was roped in alongside Brian Ayimba to help propel the Blackmen to success. The latter made his debut during Dala 7s on July 1 and 2, a moment that was supposed to be memorable in his rugby career, but fate had other plans.

During this tournament, he was struck by an injury that threatened to sideline him just as he was beginning his journey with his new club Mwamba, an experience he described as a 'life lesson.'

"It's been a life lesson. I was excited to join Mwamba and play alongside new people,after a good pre season under coach Kevin mwema and Collins injera,I felt I was ready and fit to deliver in the NSC, however it didn't go as planned as I injured my ankle in the first game at Dala 7s and that put me out of action until Christie 7s," said Mutugi

Despite the odds that stacked against him, the winger's spirit remained unbroken. His injury could have been a setback, but he saw it as an opportunity to grow, learn, and come back stronger.

"I really took it (injury) as a lesson,I worked closely with shujaa physio Lamec Bongoko who helped me in my rehabilitation journey and made sure I was ready to resume playing," he told Mozzart Sport.

However, what truly set him apart was his mental resilience. He maintained a positive attitude and stayed connected with his teammates, offering support and motivation even from the sidelines.

When time came, Mutugi told Mozzart Sport that he was warmly received back to the team by players and that really motivated him going to the Christie 7s.

The rugby community was in for a surprise when Mutugi made his triumphant return during the Christie 7s tournament. His presence was a morale booster for Mwamba Rugby Club, and it was clear that his absence had only strengthened his resolve to succeed, to the surprise of many, he touched down five times.

As if that wasn't enough,the young speedster confirmed his stellar performance during the Tisap 7s when he scored an impressive 9 tries,not forgetting a quarter finals hat trick against Kabras that saw his team break the jinx to qualify for semis.

His remarkable comeback became the talk of the tournament, earning him accolades from fans and fellow players alike,the most notable one being named the Tisap 7s top try scorer.

He went on to score three tries in the last circuit, Kabeberi 7s where again injury cut shot his performance,when was stretched out of the field of play in day one of Kabeberi when playing against Kabras RFC, bringing his total tally to 17 tries.

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Mutugi's ambitions with Mwamba

With his return to peak performance, he has set his sights on achieving more success with Mwamba Rugby Club. His dedication,unwavering commitment to self-improvement, and his remarkable talent make him an invaluable asset to the team.

"I am not a fan of the 15s version but am looking forward to helping Mwamba win silverware. I will play games that I'll be available for since I'll be spending much time training with the national 7s team, Shujaa," he disclosed.

"I'm aiming to make my debut in one of the coming invitational tournaments at the HSBC and help the team get back to being a core side in the challenger series," he added.

He has set his gaze at representing his country someday, in addition to inspiring the upcoming generation of rugby players.

"I hope to one day don the national sevens colours, and inspire the young generation, showing them that with hard work and determination, they too can overcome adversity and achieve greatness," the inspirational player noted.

Despite having an injury-laden season, Mutugi picked a lesson or two that will guide him in the upcoming tournaments.

"It taught me (injury period) that not all plans go as expected,but if you stick and keep working on your craft,good things will for sure happen," he concluded.