Former Kenya Sevens captain reflects on evolution of the game from his era to today
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 22.07.25. | 15:52
He was also part of the team that lifted the 2016 Singapore Sevens title and represented Kenya at the Rio Olympics
Former Kenya Sevens skipper Oscar Ouma has voiced his concerns over the changing nature of the game witnessed in recent years.
Ouma highlighted a growing disconnect between current playing styles and the core principles that once defined the success of the team on the global stage.
It is a perspective shaped by years of experience at the highest level.
The former captain is remembered for his heroic tries, including a memorable one during the 2013 Wellington Sevens, where Kenya stunned hosts New Zealand 17-14 in sudden-death.
He was also part of the team that lifted the 2016 Singapore Sevens title and represented Kenya at the Rio Olympics.
He believes the modern game is losing its edge due to excessive physical contact and a lack of spatial awareness.
“During our time, I can say we were a bit skillful. We used to understand the game very well. Right now, there is so much unnecessary contact happening. Players not use the space; they go for the man. But during our days, you would see a lot more skill and options when playing,” he told Mozzart Sport.
While he acknowledges that rugby is evolving, Ouma insisted players must adapt wisely.
“The game is changing, it is evolving, but we also need to evolve with it. In Sevens, they say it is not about the big eating the small, it is about the fast eating the slow,” he said.
Now back at Nakuru RFC, the club where his journey began, Ouma is spearheading efforts to restore their competitiveness.
The team had a rough patch in the 2024/25 Kenya Cup season, barely avoiding relegation. In the 2024 National Sevens Circuit, they finished 10th with 50 points, down from seventh place (68 points) the previous year.
Despite the rollercoaster of performances, Ouma remains optimistic that the club will bounce back to its glory days.
“We have got to try different combinations, plays, and see what works and what does not. With the few days remaining, we know what to improve, keep, or remove,” he offered.
Ouma, who returned to play and help stabilize the team during its turbulent run, downplayed the notion that his presence alone is the magic solution.
“The team will always be bigger than the individual. As long as we have good systems running, it does not matter who is running the team,” he added.
Nakuru will host the second leg of the 2025 National 7s Circuit; Prinsloo 7s slated for Saturday, 2 to Sunday, 3 July at the Nakuru Athletic Club.
