KCB Rugby Club and Kenya Simbas lock Andycole Omollo is on the move, describing the transition as a first step towards his professional rugby career.
Omolo, who turns 22 on May 2, is set to join the Tenri University rugby team in Osaka, Japan, where he will study International Relations and play for the university team.
The former Kenya national under-21 and Chipu international player believes the move will help him develop his rugby skills, given that Japan’s professional setup is more advanced than Kenya’s.
“It’s a good opportunity. I attended trials after the 2027 World Cup Africa qualifiers in July last year,” Omolo said.
“I loved the setup there. The people are warm and welcoming - a great atmosphere in which to develop my game,” said Omolo, who took up rugby while at Wolodeya Primary School in Sabatia, Vihiga County.
An admirer of the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, and their lock Eben Etzebeth, who has won the World Cup twice, Omolo said his ultimate dream is to play professional rugby anywhere in the world, with Japan presenting the first opportunity.
“But I will be available at any time if I’m called upon to represent my country,” said Omolo, who took rugby more seriously when he joined Chavakali High School in 2019.
“I started playing rugby at village events in Chavakali while in primary school just to pass the time. I took the game seriously when I joined Chavakali High School,” said Omolo.
KCB's Andycole Omolo charges against Nakuru players during their Kenya Cup Rugby league match played on January 18th 2025, at KCB Sports Club.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation
He played for Kenya Cup champions Kabras Sugar’s junior side while in Forms One and Form Two, before Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) drafted him for the 2022/23 Kenya Cup season.
Then, in April 2023, Chipu’s head coach, Curtis Olago, drafted the lanky player into his squad for the Africa Under-20 Barthes Cup, where Kenya finished second. Later, Chipu finished sixth in the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy, held at Nyayo stadium.
“After the Barthes Cup, I didn’t go back to MMUST with Michael Wamalwa drawing me to KCB,” said Omolo, who would later captain Chipu to victory in the 2024 Barthes Cup, before making his senior club debut with KCB.
This earned him a place in the Kenya Simbas squad that won the Elgon Cup in 2024 and 2025. He also featured for the Kenya Simbas during the 2027 Rugby World Cup Africa qualifier tournament held in Kampala, Uganda, last July. He is the youngest player in the current Kenya Simbas squad.
Japanese scout Chaiki Hoshino said that Omolo will receive a full rugby and college scholarship beginning in April this year. “He is a great talent, destined to go places thanks to his discipline,” he said.
Tenri University’s rugby tradition dates back to 1925, essentially the same period as the university’s foundation. According to Tenri’s official materials, rugby at the institution began after the university’s founder, Shozen Nakayama, became inspired by the sport. This led to the creation of rugby teams at Tenri Middle School and then at Tenri School of Foreign Language, the predecessor of Tenri University. The famous black jersey also dates from this founding era.
Kenya Under 20 Chipu Andycole Omollo, leave Samoe Henrychiu Lemauai, kissing the Grass during the World Rugby Under 20 Trophy on July 15th 2023, played at Nyayo National Stadium.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation
After World War II, the club was revived in 1946. Progress was not smooth at first due to post-war educational reforms, but the team gained strength following the establishment of the university’s Faculty of Physical Education in 1955, which helped to attract stronger players. Tenri later represented the Kinki region in the national district championship and joined the Kansai University Rugby League A League in 1963.
Most recently, in February this year, Tenri marked a major milestone by holding a 100th anniversary ceremony for ‘Tenri Rugby’, reflecting a century-long tradition linking Tenri University, Tenri High School and the wider Tenri rugby community.
