Injera - Rugby World Cup qualification will have a huge impact on Kenya's image

Kenya Simbas winger Collins Injera has opened up on the knock-on effect that will come about should the country punch a ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The Kenya 7s all-time leading try scorer was included in the squad that will depart for France where the African qualifiers of the Rugby World Cup are scheduled to take place in July.

The 35-year-old noted that qualification to the Rugby World Cup will come as a massive boost for the country and put Kenya on the map of the 15’s game.

“Definitely it will be very big for this country and the game of rugby, specifically for the 15s game of rugby. I think if we manage to qualify in France then it will open many doors.

Many things will open up in terms of the development of the game in Kenya and Africa as a whole, we embrace the fact that if we qualify it's a big thing for the nation and the upcoming players, we are focused on that one assignment and hopefully we will get it done,” said Injera.

Injera who has been in and out of the 15’s team throughout his career returned with a bang after last turning out for the Simbas back in 2018 as he marked his comeback with a try against EP Elephants earlier this month.

Kenya were on course for qualification to the 2015 Rugby World Cup but eventually missed out by virtue of an inferior points difference with Injera wary of getting carried away as he touched on the clash against Uganda and the difference between 7s and 15s.

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“We will not count our chicks before they hatch, if you (fans) want to book (hotels in France) go ahead because we have a good feeling because everyone has a good feeling, everyone is going to the tournament to qualify nobody is going there to fail.

There is a bit of pressure because it's a derby game (against Uganda), we have to focus on our structures, and make sure we control our emotions. The game of rugby is the same there is no difference, I know my role and hopefully it will help in the end result,” added Injera.