Kenya’s all-time top try scorer in the rugby 7s series Collins Injera has announced his retirement after a spectacular 17-year-rugby career.
The towering 36-year-old has hang his boots after scoring a legendary 271 touch downs for Kenya coming only second to Britain’s Dan Norton in the rugby sevens World Series.
“I have always said that I will know it’s time because my body will tell me,” Injera said in a statement.
“For the past few months, it has really spoken to me so, finally, I have decided to listen,” he said.
“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.
He also thanked all those who accorded him support throughout his career, starting with his wife and kids who have been there for him all through.
“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,” he said.
“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,”
Collins Injera
Injera now moves to Avanti Communications, a UK-based satellite operator, where he will take up a role to support its operations in East Africa.
“To the fans, media and sponsors, thank you all for the support throughout my career. I hope I made you all proud.”
Just two three weeks ago, Injera who is among the greatest players to set foot on a rugby pitch was inducted to the Fiji Hall of Fame. In addition to his induction into the Hall of Fame, Injera will also serve as the tournament ambassador for the Coral Coast Sevens, which will feature 16 men’s teams, 12 women’s teams, and 16 youth teams.
“I am honored to be given this opportunity to be inducted into the Fiji Hall of Fame and serve as the ambassador for the Coral Coast Sevens,” Injera said. “I am grateful for the support and recognition of my career and look forward to being a part of this exciting event.”
In October last year,his elder brother and retired legend Humphrey Kayange became the first Kenyan to be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.