William 'Big Willy' Ambaka calls time on frenetic rugby career

Kenya 7s winger William Ambaka has announced retirement from international rugby after 13-year tenure with the Kenya 7s. His retirement comes two days after Kenya 7s star Collins Injera also announced his retirement.

In a statement published on his social media accounts, Ambaka confirmed his retirement, saying that he will play the last leg in Australia, Sydney this weekend.

“After thirteen years playing for the Kenya Rugby Union, I’m beginning to understand that while pursuing great things, it is the pursuit that holds the greatest value. While it has been a tremendous journey, now it is time to pull the curtains on my international Rugby 7s journey. This is why I have come to the decision that I will be playing my final leg in Sydney this season.”

In the statement, Ambaka revealed that some of the things he has achieved so far initially seemed like far-fetched dreams, and that every moment in the field molded him to the sportsman he is today.

“As a schoolboy, I could only dream of achieving some of the things I have achieved. I couldn’t have imagined how many highs and lows the journey would entail, and I cherish every moment as they made me who I am. “

Some of his highs in the game included winning the final leg in Singapore in 2016, playing two Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games, and three Rugby 7s World Cups.

The speedster who also plays his club rugby for Kenya Harlequins went on to thank his support system both on and off the field.

“Now I want to thank everyone who has watched us play and supported us whether up close or from far. I would personally like to thank the late Benjamin Ayimba, Mike Friday, Charles Cardovillis, Edward Kinyany, Geoffrey Kimani, Damien Mc Grath, and of course my loving family.”

The rugby fraternity praised Ambaka for his continuous love and good performance in the game. Oscar Dennis, who also hung boots following an injury wrote, “You’re a legend mate and a huge inspiration to hundreds of people around the world. It was an honor playing with you broski and all the best in the future.” Strathmore Leos’ Head Coach Louis Kisia also praised the winger saying, “Well deserved my guy. Happy for you. Thank you for your service and all the best in future. Now we can continue supporting the great Manchester United with much more ease.”

More players like winger Jacob Ojee, Ronnie Omondi, Alvin Marube and sports journalist Caroll Radull also wished him a good retirement period, highlighting his career as superb.