Nakuru RFC backrower elated after joining Menengai Oilers

Nakuru RFC backrower Amos Obae is counting his blessings after receiving a call-up to join crosstown neighbors Menengai Oilers.

The hard-hitting backrower has been instrumental in Nakuru RFC’s performance. His impressive form saw him represent Menengai Cream Cheetahs during the Rugby Super Series where he ended up winning the Most Valuable Player gong.

According to data by Tisini, out of the matches he played, Obae made 35 tackles, 29 carries, won three turnovers, and scored two tries. The impressive performance earned him 92 impact points.

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That performance saw Kenya 15 national team coach Jerome Paarwater draft him in the Simbas squad for the Rugby World Cup Rugby Africa Cup slated for Thursday 18 to Monday 29 July in Uganda. H, however, did not make the final squad.

Mozzart Sport caught up with Obae who noted that so far, his rugby ambitions were coming true. He is coming off a series of career-threatening injuries.

He suffered a major injury, back in 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown when he broke his tibia bone. He underwent surgery and was sidelined for nine months before getting back to action during the 2021 Safari 7s when he played for the Wailers.

Luck was, however, not on his side as his injury worsened after a fracture. That saw him undergo a second surgery, which took him a year and three months to recover.

He turned up for Nakuru RFC in some matches of the 2023/24 Kenya Cup season before playing the Rugby Super Series.

“Honestly, I am extremely happy that my hard work finally paid off. I received a call from the Oilers' technical head who was interested in me being part of their team. We scheduled for a meeting to discuss the way forward and I am happy all went well” he told Mozzart Sport.

For Obae, the call-up presents him with an opportunity to further sharpen his skills and play at the highest level of rugby possible.

“I hope this chance will help me in making decisions on the pitch,” he averred.

He also aims at helping the Oilers secure their maiden Kenya Cup victory. They came too close to winning the title during the 2021/22 season when they reached the final stage but went down 34-28 to Kabras RFC.

“I am hoping to win the Kenya Cup. My fans can expect good rugby and more wins,” he disclosed.

The 2024 National 7s Circuit is set to kick off on July 26-27 with the Christie 7s and the Oilers will be keen to improve on their last circuit’s performance where they amassed just 88 points and a single final appearance. This marked a stark contrast to their 113-point tally from the 2022 season.