Kenya Sevens scrum Edith Nariaka narrates hilarious transition from boxing to rugby
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 01.12.25. | 15:40
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Nariaka revealed the hilariously unexpected and slightly painful story behind her rugby journey
She may be the smallest player on the pitch, but Kenya Lionesses scrum-half Edith Nariaka has a presence that outweighs her frame.
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She is quick, sharp, and inventive.
In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Nariaka revealed the hilariously unexpected and slightly painful story behind her rugby journey.
“What inspired me to join rugby is war. I don’t like fighting, but rugby gives you a place where you can be physical and no one questions you,” she said with a light laugh.
Growing up, her petite size became a target for cheap banter. People joked about it, some spoke down to her, and others simply did not think she could hold her own. Nariaka did not like that.
It is then that she started searching for a sport where she could do more than defend herself with words.
That search first led her to boxing, but the relationship was short-lived.
“I tried boxing when I was younger, but I was hit so hard in the stomach that I quit immediately,” she recalled, laughing again at the memory.
That one punch was enough. Boxing was not for her, but she still had the fire to prove herself and to silence those who underestimated her. It was then that rugby came calling.
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“So, I joined rugby because here, if you tackle someone, the rules actually allow it. Someone might think you’re small, but once you tackle them, they feel the weight,” she explained.
She started playing in 2017 at Hidden Gem while still in high school.
After completing school, she joined Homeboyz RFC, though the team collapsed during COVID-19 before she could fully break out. She later moved to Ruck It and finally found her true home at Mwamba RFC.
And fearless she has become.
Earlier this month, during the Africa Women’s Sevens, Nariaka delivered one of the most commanding performances of day one. Despite her modest stature, she was the most impactful player, recording a top rating of 8.6/10.
The midfield maestro dictated Kenya’s tempo with remarkable composure. A master distributor, she made 55 passes, more than any other player, and kept the Lionesses’ attack flowing with six offloads, each one maintaining momentum when it mattered most.
On a day when handling errors frustrated even the strongest sides, Nariaka was flawless with zero handling errors, zero penalties, and a performance that screamed pure discipline.
Add to that six carries, six tackles, and a 100% tackle completion rate, and you have a player who rewrote expectations.
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