Kenya legend Collins Injera has called time on his rugby career.
Injera, Kenya’s all time try scorer on the World Rugby Sevens Series confirmed this in a statement released on Tuesday 24 January 2023.
“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, I have decided to listen to it, “said Injera who debuted for Shujaa in 2006 and went on to score 279 tries, including 42 to be crowned the World Rugby Sevens Series 2008/2009 top try scorer and 2009 Kenyan sportsman of the year.
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.
He spoke about his decision to retire, saying, “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 I could ever ask for. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the strength, opportunities, and protection to be able to play the game I really love for this long.
Injera also paid tribute to his family and team mates, saying, “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 I 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.”
“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.”
Commenting on life after rugby, Injera said, “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 I made you all proud, “ he concluded.
Former national team selector Herbert Mwachiro paid tribute to Injera, saying, “It has been a chequered career for Collins. I am proud to have been the first person to select for national representation and it certainly paid off. “
“Collins has rightfully earned his stripes and deserves a huge clap on hanging his boots. He has given his all to the game, his club and the country. Let him have his body back and he can now relax with the few aches and pains that are there. God bless him,“ he concluded.
Kenya Rugby Union Director of Rugby and former Simbas Head Coach Thomas Odundo also paid tribute to Injera, saying, “ Collins has been a great servant of the game, scaling heights I don’t think even he imagined. I first played Collins in possibly some of the hardest matches any Kenyan has played – against the Southern Spears. The trip was an eye opener for many of us, both coaches and players. I believe he took the learnings from that trip to become what he is today. He was always a fast learner and adapted quickly.”
“I wish him the best in his future endeavours and would genuinely like to see him remain in the game for a long time to come, possibly in other roles.”
Thanks Collins and all the best, “ added Odundo.
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
Wellington 7s Cup Final 2013
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
Story Courtesy/KRU
