From Nakuru to France: The rise and rise of rugby queen Grace Adhiambo
Grace Adhiambo donned in her Racing 92 jersey in Paris where he has been signed up at the France- based Team.
When Grace Adhiambo signed for Racing 92 in Paris, France it marked the biggest leap yet in her rugby career.
For the Kenyan international fly half, playing professional rugby in Europe is more than a personal milestone, it is the realization of a dream she has chased since childhood.
“Being signed with Racing 92 is big for me. I have wanted to play in Europe for a long time, so I am just happy and looking forward to being here,” she says, her excitement unmistakable.
But Grace’s path to Paris began on a school field in Nakuru. At Freehold Primary, she was a footballer until a schoolmate told her about a group of rugby players headed for a trip to the UK.
The story sparked something in her. Curious, she picked up a rugby ball, went for a run, and in that instant, football was left behind.
Soon after, she joined Nakuru RFC Age Grade (Wanyore) where her raw energy was shaped into skill. The club gave her the foundation, toughness, and discipline that carried her to the national stage.
“My journey with Nakuru’s rugby started in 2014 when I was around 11 years old, still in school but already a sports girl. I was one of those kids who wanted to participate in a sport, and I got the chance after I was introduced by my schoolmate. I think the foundation is the most important part of everyone growing up and that I got at Nakuru RFC,” Adhiambo says.
Her progress was steady but sure, and in 2016 as a class eight student she made her international debut against Japan alongside decorated rugby player for the HSBC Women Rugby Series in France.
By 2021 she was an Olympian, representing Kenya at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan. Since then, she has proudly worn the Kenya jersey, representing her country with pride.
She has not only been a Kenya Lioness but also their captain, leading the squad at the HSBC Challenger Series.
Under her leadership, Kenya outperformed expectations, making a statement that the Lionesses belonged among the world’s best.
Her great performance on the pitch opened doors abroad, and Racing 92 came calling. Now in France, Adhiambo is facing a different level of rugby.
“I am impressed with the level of play here, people are devoted to the sport,” she says, adding that she wants to be the teammate who makes a difference as her goal is to help Racing 92 reach Division 1.
Asked if she has faced challenges, she admits the transition has not been easy.
“The French language is a hurdle, and life in Paris is a world away from Nakuru. One thing that has kept me grounded however is being ready and accepting that my professional career would take me far from home. However, calls home have been of great help. I also draw lessons from my stay in Japan where I had been signed,” she says.
For Grace, this journey is not just about herself. It is about showing young Kenyan girls that rugby can open doors and take them places they never imagined.