Joshua Chisanga explains reason for three-year rugby break while plotting comeback

After a three-year rugby hiatus, Joshua Chisanga is eager to return to the pitch. The Kenya Harlequin player is ready to bring his well-known passion and intensity back to the sport.

Chisanga last played professionally in 2021 before taking time off to establish his business, 48 Trade, and find a balance between entrepreneurship and rugby.

Reflecting on his decision to step away, Chisanga noted that juggling business and playing was affecting his performance on the pitch.

“I took some time off to focus on building my business, and at some point, playing and building that became complicated. I didn’t feel I was applying myself to the game as I could, and I hadn’t found a balance.

So, the best decision was to step aside from the game, find that balance, and be in a position where I could give everything,” he told Scrummage Africa.

Now, after his break, the former Homeboyz RFC player is confident in his comeback and is excited to rejoin his team.

“I’m back, and I’ve found the balance. I’m in a place where I can see clearly—before that, the lines were blurry. I love the game, and when it came to deciding between the game and business, it was a tough decision.

Now, my priorities are straight, and I know what comes first and when I can sacrifice and compromise,” he continued.

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Chisanga’s return is not just about personal fulfilment; he also aims to make a powerful impact with Kenya Harlequin, who missed the semifinals last season.

“Expect nothing but fireworks. The boys are training; the team is looking really good. It’s a good team, and with us in addition, it’s going to be wonderful. I can’t wait to see what becomes of it,” he asserted.

Watching from the sidelines over the last few years has fueled Chisanga’s determination to get back to the game. He admitted that it was not easy being away.

“Every time I watched the game, I felt like I still had some seasons left. It’s been a slow but sure comeback.

I kept thinking, maybe next season, maybe the season after, but finally, the season has come where I feel like the balance is there, and I can give it my all,” he said.

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“Honestly, we’re here to enjoy the game. We’ve been watching from the sidelines for years, and now we feel like we know where to plug ourselves in to make the impact we’ve been missing,” he concluded.

Chisanga was the first Kenyan to play in the English Rugby Premiership with Newcastle Falcons. He also boasts a diverse rugby career that includes stints in Poland’s Ekstraliga with RC Orkan Sochaczew and a long tenure with Homeboyz RFC before joining Kenya Harlequin.

Beyond rugby, Chisanga is a dedicated strength and conditioning coach, fitness consultant, and business owner. His impressive powerlifting skills, including holding one of the heaviest deadlifts in Kenyan rugby, underline his dedication to physical fitness.

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