Clarice Mutambi, an emerging force in rugby, currently representing the Mwamba RFC women’s team, attributes her introduction to the sport to her boundless energy.
In a departure from the common narrative of rugby players starting in high school or at a younger age, Clarice embarked on her rugby journey during her second year at Maseno University in 2020.
Clarice Mutambi first sport
Before her foray into rugby, she had been actively involved in netball during her early years and in her first year on campus. A Bachelor of Science graduate in health records and information management with IT, Clarice approached rugby with dedication and commitment, earning her place on the university’s team after a year of rigorous training.
Clarice Mutambi while at Maseno University. PHOTO/Clarice Mutambi
It is evident that Mutambi is a hard-working lady, after three years with Maseno, Mwamba came knocking on her doors. She had already completed her studies and she was awaiting for her graduation. She penned down a deal with Mwamba in July 2023 and she made it straight to the first team. Clarice who was spotted by Mwamba during the game which she turned out for her then team Maseno, says that she recognized there.
“I was seen during Mwamba versus Maseno game in the regular season games,” Mutambi told Scrummage Africa.
From there her graph has been going on an upward trajectory since.
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The utility player who can play on the wings, centre and back row positions went on cementing her position with the Kulabu. After impressing with the club during the local national sevens circuit, she managed to earn her first ever Kenya Lionesses call-up during the Safari sevens which she featured for the second team.
On her maiden appearance, she says that that was a dream come true for her. “ I never imagined I would one day play for the country when I started playing rugby some three years ago. This was a dream come true and an achievement on my side.”
She also went on to feature for the rugby league but she says she wants to put her focus on the rugby union.
“I also managed to get a call-up for the first-ever women’s rugby league team which we won hugely against our neighbours Uganda but I would like to put all my focus and energy in the rugby union,” Mutambi stated.
Clarice Mutambi’s lessons
Like any other player, Clarice has her lessons learnt along the way while playing rugby. “I have learnt more in rugby union. It’s all about playing professional rugby, so you must deliver 100 per cent. Discipline all the time. You must train consistently for your improvement keeping in mind that you are delivering to the club, nation and to yourself.”
She says that passion to play at the highest is what has kept her going all along.
Clarice Mutambi in a National team kip. PHOTO/Clarice Mutambi.
“ The passion to play the game at the highest level is what propels me to work hard. I would like to be a regular in the Kenyan jersey, to get that one must work extra hard and that is what am putting in now,” Mutambi added.
Clarice has a word for young upcoming girls who would like to take the path of rugby.
“ I like to see girls in sports so I could advise them to work smart on their talents. They should not allow anyone to bring them down until they achieve what they want in sports and they should always have a positive mentality when it comes to what they want to achieve in the world of rugby and sports in general,” Mutambi concluded.
