Kenya lionesses playmaker Adhiambo signs deal with Japan rugby team

Kenya Lionesses playmaker Grace Adhiambo has signed a six-month deal with Nagato Blue Angles in Japan after six years with Nakuru RFC ladies’ team.



The move to Japan is timely for Adhiambo who will be ready to make her debut in the Japanese local sevens campaign set to kick off on February 11.



The Blue Angels compete in the Taiyo Seimei Women’s Seven Series, where 12 clubs play in four tournaments over four months to determine a national champion.



She joins her fellow compatriot and Lionesses speedy winger Janet Okello who plys his trade MIE Pearls Women’s Rugby.



Upon her confirming the move, Adhiambo said she is delighted for the opportunity to play in the Japanese league.



“I’ve always wanted to build my career as a professional athlete, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to deepening my skills and career as a rugby player,” an elated Adhiambo said.



Adhiambo was recently voted the Sports Personality of the Month for November after orchestrating the Lionesses to victory in the Africa Cup tournament in Uganda.



Kenya Lionesses’ head coach Dennis Mwanja welcomed the deal and hopes other Kenyan players can get such opportunities to showcase their talents.



She was called to the national team after a superb play in the tenth edition of the Top Fry Prinsloo Women Sevens, which took place in August at the Nakuru Athletic Club.



Adhiambo represented Kenya in the 2018 Hong Kong Sevens and Africa Women’s Cup and also competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics.