Why Strathmore Leos are adapting to Japan Rugby's style of play
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 13.11.25. | 16:21
This approach was on full display during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where Japan’s rapid ruck speed left teams like Ireland and Scotland scrambling
Strathmore Leos head coach Willis ‘Foxxy’ Ojal has outlined the style of play his team must embrace to thrive in Kenya’s competitive rugby scene.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
According to Foxxy, the Leos need to emulate Japan’s approach to gain an edge over bigger, more physically imposing opponents.
Japan’s rugby is renowned for being fast, fearless, and highly technical. Their game is played at a blistering pace, with quick ball recycling after contact and early wide distribution, forcing heavier teams to defend across the field constantly.
This approach was on full display during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where Japan’s rapid ruck speed left teams like Ireland and Scotland scrambling.
They emphasise crisp passing, precise offloads, and intelligent running lines. Their forwards are mobile and skilled, often linking seamlessly with the backs. Players understand their roles but are encouraged to exploit space whenever it appears.
Conditioning is another cornerstone of their success. Japan’s players are among the fittest in world rugby, sustaining high tempo throughout the full 80 minutes and often overwhelming opponents late in games.
Foxxy believes Strathmore Leos must adopt a similar style.
“Our players are smaller in stature compared to our opponents, so we need to play fast, fearless, and technical rugby to gain an advantage,” he explained.
The Leos faced such a challenge during the Impala Floodlit's fifth-place playoff against KCB Rugby. They were without key players like Gabriel Ayimba and Victor Mola, who were representing the Kenya Morans in Zimbabwe, and Barnabas Owuor, who was also unavailable.
Despite these absences, Foxxy introduced young talents such as Thomas Opio and Jaden Oyier in the second row, and Morgan Ochiel on the wing, players who proved effective in the high-tempo game.
“Impala Floodlights was about building depth. Most of the team, including six players, came straight from high school. Our second row is made up of fresh high school graduates.
Morgan joined us from high school last year, and now Amon Wamalwa has been integrated into our system. This tournament was a perfect build-up for what we want to achieve this season,” he offered.
The Leos began their 2024/25 Kenya Cup campaign on a shaky note, losing most of their opening games before gradually finding form. Foxxy believes that the Floodlit tournament provided the ideal testing ground.
“Last year, we struggled when key players were absent. This year, even without Victor Mola, Gabriel Ayimba, and Barnabas Owuor, our performance in the fifth-place final was much improved. We are definitely on the right track,” he said.
He added that playing a fast-paced game is not optional for the Leos; it is essential.
.jpg)
“During the match against KCB, we aimed to speed up the game, but frequent referee calls slowed us down. When the pace drops, it allows teams like KCB to get back into the game,” Foxxy noted.
Ultimately, Strathmore Leos finished sixth in the Impala Floodlit Tournament, losing 42-12 to KCB Rugby in the fifth-place playoff.
