Former Chipu skipper among players awarded in Kenya Harlequins dinner

Former Kenya Under 20 national team; Chipu's captain Laban Kipsang is still enjoying the sweet smell of success after bagging the Young Player Award during the Kenya Harlequins dinner held at the Simba Saloon, Carnivore Grounds on Saturday, November 11.

The youngster was part of the Chipu squad that represented Kenya in the Barthes U20 Trophy and the World Rugby U20 Trophy which were played at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Chipu settled for sixth position in the World Rugby U20 tournament that ended on July 30 following a 64-10 to Zimbabwe.

The final was a repeat of the 2023 U20 Barthes Cup where Chipu went down 28-7 to the Junior Sables.

Zimbabwe overpower Kenya Chipu for fifth place in U20 Trophy

He was also an ally when the Quins finished the circuit at position six with 76 points, an improvement from last season’s performance where they were off to a poor seventh position with 68 points. This year, they also managed five quarterfinals, two semifinals, and a final appearance.

"I've learned that when you push yourself to the limit, great things start to happen," Kipsang told Mozzart Sport.

Speaking on the team's preparedness ahead of the 2023/24 Kenya Cup season that kicks off on November 25, Quins Chairman Victor Sudi said that the Quins were headed for success. The team finished fourth in the 2022/23 Kenya Cup season after losing 22-8 to Kabras RFC in the semifinals despite a spirited fight.

The team will be enjoying a wealth of experience from coach Paul Murunga who was away with the Kenya Lionesses on international duty. During his absence, the Quins were under the tutelage of former Kabras RFC gaffer Henry Du Plessis.

Du Plessis to work with Quins in Murunga's absence

“We are rebuilding the club, the structures, and the team. Quins is back. We are on the right track we’re on a path to success,” the chairman offered.

The event also saw the Kenya Harlequins Ladies team; Quins Queens officially launched.

Michael Onsando won the Captain's Award, while Meshack Akenga, Felix Makokha, Brian Waraba, Richel Wangila and Paul Mutsami won the Captain's Badges Award.

Douglas Luyiya and Kennedy Barua went home with the Chairman's award while the Most Valuable Player award went to Meshack Tunnech.

Coach Murunga was honored with the inaugural Spirit of Rugby Award.

Michael Wanjala and Isaac Adimo won the Honors Caps while the Chairman's Appreciation Award was claimed by Henley Du Plessis.

Kenya Harlequins Awards 2023

Captain's Awards: Michael Onsando

Captain’s Badges Award: Meshack Akenga, Felix Makokha, Brain Waraba, Richel Wangila, Paul Mutsami

Young Player Award: Laban Kipsang

Chairman's Award: Douglas Luyiya, Kennedy Barua

MVP Award: Meshack Tunnech

Spirit of Rugby Award: Paul Murunga

Honors Caps: Michael Wanjala, Isaac Adimo

Chairman's Appreciation Award: Henley Du Plessis.