Menengai Oilers utility man reveals England star inspiring his full back transition
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 12.11.25. | 13:29
Farrell, a former England captain and a stalwart for Saracens, has long been admired for his exceptional game management, tactical kicking, and composure under pressure, qualities that Wesonga has sought to emulate
Menengai Oilers utility man Abutwalib Wesonga has credited England star Owen Farrell for influencing his transformation from a fly-half to one of Kenya’s most promising fullbacks.
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Wesonga, who was named Player of the Final at the 2025 Impala Floodlit Tournament, revealed that studying Farrell’s playing style has helped him understand the game more deeply and improve his overall performance on the pitch.
“Since I switched to playing at fullback, it was tough at first, but I’m now learning and adjusting to controlling things at the back. It is not always easy, but I take it one day at a time, watching more rugby and improving with every game,” the soft-spoken Wesonga told Mozzart Sport.
Farrell, a former England captain and a stalwart for Saracens, has long been admired for his exceptional game management, tactical kicking, and composure under pressure, qualities that Wesonga has sought to emulate.
He plays fly-half and sometimes inside centre and is one of the pillars in Steve Borthwick’s squad.
“Over time, I started watching Owen Farrell, and that helped me realise that rugby is not just about you; it is about the team. I began adapting my game to play more like him,” he explained.
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Wesonga began his rugby journey as a fly-half, a position that often demands quick thinking and split-second decisions. However, coach Gibson Weru switched him to fullback midway through last season, with Samuel Mwaura moving to flyhalf. Wesonga has since found more space and control to influence play from the back.
“At fullback, you have more time to read the game; to look up, see the positioning, and decide where to place the kick. But as a fly-half, your time with the ball is limited, so you have to make quick decisions. At 15, I feel more composed and able to make better choices,” he offered.
His transition has paid off handsomely. He was in the starting lineup as the Oilers reached the 2024/25 Kenya Cup final, narrowly losing to Kabras RFC. He later anchored the Nakuru-based side to defend their Impala Floodlit title with a 32-20 victory over Nondies RFC.
“Saturday was a good day in the office. I started slowly but built momentum as the game went on. I made a few mistakes, but I did not let them get to me, and that is what kept me in the game. I gave it my best,” he reflected on the final.
With the 2025/26 Kenya Cup season now less than a fortnight away, Wesonga is gearing up to help Oilers break the curse and finally win their maiden Kenya Cup final.
