Former Kenya Sevens star Oscar Ouma reveals his favourite World Sevens Series destinations
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 13.07.26. | 15:04
His résumé further includes representing Kenya at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where rugby sevens made its Olympic debut, the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow, and the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games
Former Kenya Sevens forward Oscar Ouma has opened up on the tournaments that left the biggest impression on him during an illustrious career that saw him become one of Shujaa's most dependable forwards.
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Speaking to Mozzart Sport during the Ruff n Tuff 7s tournament, where he was on coaching duty, Ouma reflected on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series destinations that remain closest to his heart, with New Zealand, Vancouver, and Hong Kong topping the list.
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"New Zealand was always a special tournament, and Vancouver is right up there as one of my favourites. The atmosphere in Vancouver was incredible, the stadium was beautiful, and reaching the final there made it even more memorable," Ouma said.
"Hong Kong also holds a special place in my heart because we made the final there as well. Those are tournaments that will always stand out whenever I look back on my career,” he continued.
While Vancouver and Hong Kong brought unforgettable memories, it was Wellington that produced one of the defining moments of Ouma's career.
During the 2013 Wellington Sevens, Ouma etched his name into Kenyan rugby folklore by scoring the sudden-death extra-time try that stunned hosts New Zealand and sent Shujaa into the Cup final in one of the greatest upsets in the country's sevens history.
Looking back on that iconic moment, the former captain insisted the try was the result of a collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
"It was an incredible feeling. Playing a knockout match and beating the host nation in front of their own fans is one of the best experiences you can have as a player. When you step into a stadium like that, your only focus is to make an impact for the team," he recalled.
"People remember the player who scores the winning try, but that moment is only possible because of the work everyone else has put in. There is always a build-up, and every player contributes. I may have been the one to touch the ball down, but it was a team effort from start to finish,” he offered.
Ouma's journey with the national team began long before his heroics on the HSBC Sevens Series.
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He first announced himself on the international stage with Kenya Under-20, scoring a hat-trick against the Cayman Islands during the 2009 IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy before establishing himself as a key figure for Nakuru RFC.
His influence helped Wanyore lift their maiden Kenya Cup title in 2013, cementing his status as one of the club's greatest servants.
His performances also earned him an overseas stint with Sri Lankan giants Kandy Sports Club.
Beyond the famous Wellington winner, Ouma enjoyed several unforgettable moments in national colours. He was part of the historic Shujaa side that defeated Fiji 30-7 to win the 2016 Singapore Sevens, delivering Kenya's first-ever HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Main Cup title.
The powerful forward also went viral during the 2016 Wellington Sevens after flattening New Zealand rugby superstar Sonny Bill Williams in a collision that quickly became one of the tournament's most talked-about moments.
His résumé further includes representing Kenya at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where rugby sevens made its Olympic debut, the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow, and the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games.
In 2018, Ouma was entrusted with the Shujaa captaincy, capping a career that saw him retire among Kenya Sevens' greatest point-scoring forwards. He finished with 395 World Series points, placing him comfortably among the country's all-time top 10 scorers on the circuit.