Shujaa legend Collins Injera announces retirement from rugby

Kenya 7s top try scorer Collins Injera has announced his retirement from rugby at 36 years.

In a post on his official social media platforms on Tuesday morning, Injera, who also sits as the second all-time top try scorer on the prestigious HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with 279 tries, made the revelation about his decision to retire from the game he has played 17 years ago.

"Everything must come to an end, sometime. I have always said that I will know it's time, because my body will tell me. And for the past few months it has really 'spoken' to me so, finally, have decided to listen to it. As hard as this is for me, after 17 years of literal blood, sweat and tears, it's time to step away from this great game that has given me so much more than could ever ask for.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me the strength, opportunities, and protection to be able to play the game really love for this long. To my wife Chebet and my kids; Chloe, Clyde, and Carl, thank you very much for all the love, support and understanding you have given me all these years.

Those days, weeks, and sometimes months that you have endured without my presence as was busy chasing my dream across the globe are finally over.It's now time for me to spend much needed quality time with you.

Thank you, mum, dad and Linda, for all the prayers, advice, and support. My brothers, Tall and Mike, we did it! We managed to play together both locally and internationally.

Collins Injera

To all my teammates, coaches, management and opponents, thank you all for the memories we have created both on and off the field. We have shared some very high and low moments together. Thank you for being part of my journey and helping me achieve my dreams.

For my next chapter I will continue with my humanitarian work and will be joining global satellite business (and UN Sustainable Development Goals Quality Education Partner), Avanti Communications, in an exciting new role to support its East African operations.

To the fans, media and sponsors, thank you all for the support throughout my career. I hope made you all proud," Injera wrote."

Injera, an alumnus of Vihiga High School, first played his local club rugby for Ulinzi before moving to Mwamba, also featured at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics and was part of the 2016 Singapore Sevens winning squad.

Collins Injera Milestones

Adelaide 7s Cup Final 2009

IRB Sevens Player of the Year Nominee 2008/9

IRB Sevens Top Try Scorer 2008/9

SOYA Awards Sportsman of the Year 2009

Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) 2009

Singapore 7s Cup Winners 2016

Vancouver 7s Cup Final 2018

Hong Kong 7s Cup Final 2018

Rugby World Cup 7s 2009, 2013, 2018, 2022

Commonwealth Games 2010, 2014,2018

Olympic Games 2016,2020

Multiple Safari 7s winner