T. NashipaeKenya Harlequins to set up ladies team
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 24.10.23. | 18:37
The team will be known as The Quin Queens
Kenya Cup side Kenya Harlequins are setting up a ladies' rugby team; The Quin Queens.
The side will hold trials on Wednesday, October 25 at the RFUEA Grounds in a bid to recruit interested players.
"Kenya Harlequins FC, a legacy dating back to 1952, is thrilled to announce the dawn of a new era; The Quins Queens. The club's core values of sure, strong, and superior, have fueled our legacy and now we are extending this legacy to you," the club posted.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Quins' chairman Victor Sudi pointed out the initiative was aimed at crafting a legacy that would shape the future of Quins as well as the sport in the country.
"We are a community club and want to leave a legacy of having an all-encompassing club representing the community. The women's game is growing, so we feel it is the right time for us Quins to form the team, and to contribute to the growth of women's games in the country," the former Kenya Simbas captain offered.
For the chairman, the club's main objective was to provide young female players with an avenue to excel and nurture their rugby skills, as well as contribute to the success of women's rugby. Only girls between the age of 18-24 are expected to grace the trials.
"We want to start with a young side and build it year in, and year out. The objective is to impact the girls coming in so they get the right skills and training, get immersed in the Quins' culture and tradition, and then go out and play. Make sure that the girls coming on board have the right mindset, and attitude to develop their skills, and then we can look at going out for competitions, and hopefully win the league someday," Sudi told Mozzart Sport.
The forward-thinking chairman also noted that forming and running a ladies' rugby team would require resources like finances. Despite that, he was confident that they would overcome the challenges to ensure the team flourishes.
"There are challenges. Even as we run the men's team, there is always a challenge for resources. We are dedicating resources to the ladies. We want to start small and talk to many of our stakeholders who are willing to support us in this journey as we build towards success," he revealed.
The former Kenya 7s and Kenya 15s International underscored the importance of support from the rugby community in making what seems like a far-fetched dream come true.
"We need all the support. We need to work together. Women's rugby is taking off in the country and they need all the support. As Quins, we are doing our part, and we call for support from the rugby community including the sponsors, and fans to help us as we grow the game in the country," he urged.
At the same time, the club is set to host its annual dinner on November 11 at the Simba Saloon, Carnivore Grounds in an event that will see the Quins Queens officially unveiled. Sudi urged the rugby fraternity to turn up and witness the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Quins finished the circuit at position six with 76 points, an improvement from last season’s performance where they were off to a poor seventh position with 68 points. This season, they also managed five quarterfinals, two semifinals, and a final appearance. They were coming off a fourth-place finish in the 2022/23 Kenya Cup season.
