Kenya Rugby sevens all-time top scorer Collins Injera has retired from the game after 17 years.
36 year old posted a message on social media saying that his body necessitated the move after months of deliberating whether to retire.
“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.
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,” he wrote on twitter.
Injera is Kenya’s all-time World Sevens Series top try scorer and second highest try scorer at the World Sevens Series with 271 tries.
He rose from junior category to become one of the most decorated rugby players in world , has represented Kenya in the two rugby versions and his retirement brings down the curtains to a career spanning almost two decades with numerous accolades achieved along the way.
Injera helped Kenya win the only World Rugby Series title in Singapore in 2016 scoring the famous last minute kick that took Shujaa to the Main cup final where they stunned Fiji 30-7.
He was recently inducted to Fiji’s Rugby Town Walk of Fame becoming the 12 person in the history of the award.
An alumnus of Vihiga High School, Injera first played for his local club Ulinzi before moving to Mwamba.
He 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.
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
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
