Why Leeon Nyang is stepping away from active rugby
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 07.09.25. | 09:45
He was a crucial part of the squad that ended a 12-year drought by winning the National 7s Circuit and was also a key player for the Quins in the Kenya Cup
Dynamic Kenya Harlequin back Leeon Nyang has revealed that he is finally stepping away from active rugby.
The decision comes after a series of head injuries and was made on the advice of medical professionals.
Nyang returned to the Quins squad during the Christie 7s spectacularly, showcasing his form with five tries and over six conversions, and helping his team achieve an improved performance.
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However, his comeback was cut short at the Embu 7s, where he suffered another significant fall during a tackle in the fifth-place playoff against Kabras RFC.
This latest head injury led to a medical assessment, which ultimately prompted the difficult decision to step away from the sport.
In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, Nyang shared the emotional weight of his choice.
"This is, without a doubt, the hardest call I’ve ever had to make. For years, I’ve chased a dream that became more than just a game to me; it became my identity, my heartbeat,” he said.
Beyond the personal toll, Nyang emphasized that the decision was also made for the sake of his teammates. He observed that they were playing cautiously around him, worried about his well-being.
"It’s like they’re walking on eggshells, worried about me instead of playing their natural game. That’s not fair to them, and it’s not the kind of pressure I want to put on the people I fight alongside. They deserve to play freely, to express themselves without hesitation," he continued.
Nyang's rugby journey began at St. Joseph Rapogi, followed by stints at Egerton Wasps and Nakuru RFC, before he found his home at Kenya Harlequin.
He was a crucial part of the squad that ended a 12-year drought by winning the National 7s Circuit and was also a key player for the Quins in the Kenya Cup.
Nyang's career has been marked by a series of serious health challenges.
His first concussion occurred in 2016 while he was still a student at St. Joseph's Rapogi Boys School. Over the years, he has faced multiple concussions, physical injuries, and the emotional stress that accompanies them.
During the 2024 Dala 7s, he suffered an epileptic attack triggered by foul play after returning to the sport following a two-year hiatus. This incident forced him to sit out the next two legs of the competition.
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Despite the heartache, Nyang remains optimistic about his future.
"The fire in my heart is still raging. I am stepping back, for now, but I’m not walking away. This game has carried me through highs and lows, and I know my journey with it is far from over. If you don’t stop now, you risk losing it all,” he revealed.
Beyond the pitch, Nyang has also made an impact as a coach at Egerton Wasps. He is the founder of Mind Fiti, Game Fiti, an initiative that addresses mental health by combining wellness, sport, and community support.
