How Braeburn students reignited Kenya Harlequin winger's rugby return after two years out
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 01.08.25. | 15:38
At the 2025 Driftwood 7s, Nyongesa not only returned to the team but also topped the try-scoring charts for Quins, scoring six tries in a statement comeback
Kenya Harlequin winger Dennis Nyongesa was nowhere near the pitch as his team lifted the 2024 National Sevens Circuit title under then-head coach Paul Murunga.
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Instead, he was on the sidelines, not due to injury or selection, but because he had made the personal decision to walk away from the sport.
“I was done with rugby. I felt like I had given it everything. I needed space,” Nyongesa admitted.
During his time off the pitch, he shifted gears. He began sprint training to maintain his fitness and found a new purpose, coaching rugby at Braeburn School, where he also works.
What started as a way to stay connected to the game turned into something more.
“Working with kids as a coach sparked the flame in me once more. It brought back memories accompanied by a certain sense of completeness. I had missed the thrill, too,” the fleet-footed speedster told Mozzart Sport.
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That fire led him back to the pitch this season, and his impact was immediate.
At the 2025 Driftwood 7s, Nyongesa not only returned to the team but also topped the try-scoring charts for Quins, scoring six tries in a statement comeback.
“I felt a strong urge to return to play, and that is when I decided to come back. Despite being out of the field, I was closely following what was happening in the rugby world.
From Kenya Harlequins’ run in the 2024 circuit to Shujaa reaching the final in Singapore, these were reminders of how much I love this sport,” he offered.
Though Quins finished sixth in Mombasa after losing to Menengai Oilers in the fifth-place playoff, Nyongesa’s performance was a bright spark as the team prepares for the Prinsloo 7s slated for Saturday, 2 to Sunday, 3 August at the Nakuru Athletic Club.
They have been drawn in Pool A alongside Nakuru RFC, Kabete Stallions, and Mombasa RFC.
Heading to Nakuru, a city filled with cherished memories for Quins following their 2024 title win, they will be hoping to rediscover that winning streak.
For Nyongesa, the return has not just been about scoring tries. It is also about sharpening his all-around game.
“My speed without ball control is quite a waste in rugby. That is why my coaches and I have been working on ball handling and decision-making at pace,” he offered.
He draws inspiration from USA Sevens star Perry Baker, whose speed and attacking sharpness have always impressed him.
And as for balancing sprinting and rugby?
“In my books, they co-exist. I feel like they go hand in hand, so I will do them both,” he said.
