DBA Africa, a leading force in sports development programs and Wazi-Wazi, a Japanese social enterprise, have announced a partnership aimed at advancing youth rugby in Nairobi, Kenya.
This partnership will see the Nairobi-based rugby academy renamed the “DBA Wazi Wazi Rugby Academy”, with sessions held every Sunday at Kenton College.
DBA Partnership
The partnership reflects DBA Africa’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young rugby talent across East Africa.
This collaboration follows a successful one-month coaching exchange program in Japan, where Patrice Agunda, a former Kenyan international player and DBA coach, gained valuable experience working with Japan’s national team, U20 squad, and various local academies.
The exchange fostered a rich sharing of rugby expertise and culture between the two countries.
Through this partnership, more opportunities will be created for DBA coaches to upskill, including future exchange programs in Japan and online coaching clinics.
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Pathways for aspiring players to access rugby scholarships in both Japan and Kenya will be developed, opening doors for student-athletes in both countries.
Toshiaki Hirose, a representative of Wazi-Wazi and former Japan national team captain, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“We are thrilled to partner with DBA Africa. This collaboration has immense potential, and we are excited to see Kenyan kids grow through rugby while strengthening the bond between Kenya and Japan,” Hirose said.
Lyle Asiligwa, representing DBA Africa, echoed Hirose’s sentiments, saying:
“Our partnership with Wazi-Wazi creates exciting new opportunities for both our young players and coaches. We are excited about the positive impact this will have, and we are committed to growing bigger and better.”
DBA Africa continues to lead rugby development initiatives in East Africa.
The organization is behind innovative programs such as the Futures Cup, East Africa’s first regional U15 rugby representative tournament.
DBA scholarship
It also offers both local and international rugby scholarships, including for players like Rayvone Ambale, who is currently studying in the UK at Bryanston and participating in the U18 Bath Academy.
This partnership is a major milestone in international rugby cooperation and highlights the global reach of the sport.
Both Wazi-Wazi and DBA Africa are dedicated to fostering young talent and using rugby as a platform for personal and community development.
