Kenyan Simbas lock Malcolm Onsando has shared the journey that led him to play professional rugby in Romania.
In an interview with Scrummage Africa, the towering lock revealed that former Kenyan internationals Joshua Chisanga and Willy Ambaka connected him with their agent, who facilitated the move after a Romanian club had followed his progress during Kenya Simbas’ 36-5 loss to Romania A in the build-up to the 2018 Rugby World Cup Repechage.
Malcolm Onsando in Romania
Onsando made the move to Romania after the 2018 Repechage, initially joining Clubul Sportiv Dinamo Bucuresti in January 2019. He now plays for Timisoara Rugby Club, a team he joined in 2023.
Kenya Simbas Malcolm Onsando during a press conference. PHOTO/Rugby Africa
“During the 2018 World Cup qualification tournament, we stopped over in Romania on our way to France with the Kenya Simbas and played a friendly against their national team. After the tournament, Joshua Chisanga and Willy Ambaka linked me with their agent, who secured me a contract with a Romanian team that had watched our game,” Onsando told Scrummage Africa.
Describing his time in Romania, Onsando said the experience has been both eye-opening and challenging, particularly as he had to adapt to the country’s language and culture while playing against some of the world’s best tight five players.
“The experience in Romania has been eye-opening. As a forward, it’s one of the more challenging destinations because they produce high-calibre tight five players. It was difficult at first, having to learn a new language and culture, but eventually, you pick it up. It’s a beautiful country, and the experience has definitely helped improve my game, especially in terms of micro-skills in my position,” Onsando said.
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When asked to compare the levels of rugby between Romania and Kenya, Onsando noted that it was difficult to compare since Romania is a larger rugby nation with a more competitive league. He emphasized that top-of-the-table clashes in Romania often feel like test matches.
“It’s hard to compare the levels because Romania is a big rugby nation, and our premier competition attracts players from all over the world. We play against guys who have represented South Africa, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, and many more. I would say the top-of-the-table clashes feel more like test rugby than the Kenya Cup,” he added.
As he approaches the later years of his career, Onsando revealed that his focus is shifting towards life after rugby. He expressed satisfaction with his accomplishments and stressed the importance of planning for life beyond professional sports.
“Right now, my focus has shifted from rugby to ‘life after rugby.’ I believe it’s important to plan for life after sports because a sports career is relatively short. I’m content with what I’ve achieved in rugby, and my main focus now is transitioning from a professional rugby player into a new career. One thing I’d advise young players is always to have an exit plan for life after professional sports. Life goes on after the bright lights of professional sports.”
Onsando attended St. Mary’s School in Nairobi before moving to Culford School. He has played for Kenya Harlequin and Brixham Rugby Club, where he was part of the Devon RFU Senior Cup-winning side in 2017.
After graduating from university in 2017. Onsando returned to Kenya.
He has been a Kenya Simbas player since 2018, scoring his first international try against Namibia during the 2018 Rugby Africa Gold Cup.
