Kenya Harlequin FC have officially appointed club legend Patrice Agunda as Head Coach, marking a significant milestone in the club’s storied history.
Agunda, a stalwart of the team, steps into this role ahead of the 2025 National 7s Circuit and the 2025/2026 Kenya Cup season.
Kenya Harlequin coach
Agunda is no stranger to leadership within the club. Following the departure of Belgian coach Antoine Plasman, he served as interim head coach, guiding the team to a commendable top-six finish. His deep-rooted understanding of the club’s culture and dynamics positions him well to lead the team into this new chapter.
Over the past four years, Agunda has held various roles within the Kenya Harlequin technical bench, including skills coach, 7s coach, and assistant coach. Notably, he was part of the coaching team that clinched the 2024 National 7s Circuit championship. Most recently, he led the Kenya Harlequin Women’s team to the semi-finals in their inaugural season.
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In 2024, Agunda expanded his coaching horizons by participating in a high-level exchange program with the Japanese national rugby team. During this stint, he collaborated with esteemed coaches Eddie Jones and Toshiaki Hirose, gaining invaluable insights into advanced coaching methodologies.
“I’m honoured to take up this role. We have great potential, and I’m ready to build on our legacy.”
Agunda’s illustrious playing career spans 15 seasons with Kenya Harlequins, five of which he served as captain. His accolades include three Kenya Cups (2008, 2010, 2012), three Rugby Super Series titles (2010, 2011, 2012), an Enterprise Cup (2009), and a National 7s Circuit title (2012). Internationally, he represented Kenya in both Fifteens and Sevens, participating in the World Rugby Sevens Series from 2011 to 2015, the 2013 Rugby 7s World Cup semi-finals, and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Kenya Harlequin head coach Patrice Agunda. Photo Credit: Crying Stone Media/Kenya Harlequin
Kenya Harlequin Chairman Victor Sudi commented on the appointment:
Kenya Harlequin chairman
“Kenya Harlequin FC has a long tradition of developing high-level, professional rugby coaches for club and country. Four years ago, we embarked on a focused strategy to conscientiously prepare our next generation coaches. We are delighted that Patrice takes over as our new Head Coach and wish him and his team the very best.”
