The Kenya Rugby Union media team had a one-on-one conversation with Mercy Migongo following her recent trip to the UK as the Kenyan Grassroots to Global forum participants’ Leader. She narrated her rugby journey from a young High School student to the current World Rugby Level 2 Coach that she is.
“While on admission to JM Kariuki Secondary School, I met a group of girls at the parking lot enjoying nyamachoma with the school Principal. I later came to realize that they were just from Nairobi Safaricom 7s 2010 rugby champions they beat Mukumu Girls and were celebrating this milestone. It was at this point that I developed an interest in rugby and started it in (2011-2015) we went to the Nakuru 10s and I liked the atmosphere and approached Coach Felix and joined the Nakuru age-grade programme. I played for Nakuru ladies team(2012-2015) moved to Nairobi to continue playing rugby and joined Kenya Harlequins (2016-2017), Homeboyz ladies team (2017-2020) and Impala ladies team( 2020-2025).
2. When did you join the National team and how long did you represent the Country?
I joined in 2019 played till 2023
3. What made you transition into coaching?
I wanted to give back to the community because the same was done to me and that was what helped in shaping my rugby passion for coaching. I started coaching the Homeboyz age grade a programme initiated by the late Benjamin Ayimba in 2018 then Kings Rugby (KRDA), Kibera Golden stars, Steppingstones Kindergarten, ACK good Samaritan, Brookhurst International School Isinya, Braeside international school, Braeburn Gitanga, Espertanos Africa, Brookhurst Lavington and the DBA academy.
4.How has the Grassroots to Global program shaped your life so far?
I would like to thank Childfund Rugby and Kenya Rugby for creating a forum that brought 30 women all over Kenya to discuss the challenges we face. These are incredible women who want to see the sport develop, listening to each of them sharing their challenges and aspiration back in March then being nominated to represent them had me thinking every day that they are all trusting in me and I will do my best.
The ladies called to check on the progress shared insights and this gave me assurance that they were confident in my ability to represent our Country. Going to the Global stage I was well equiped thanks to the support I received back at home. I have learnt that when we come together we will create a change and small steps matter. Through the G2G program, I got an opportunity to travel and experience rugby from all over the world and realized that we have different barriers but we always fight through ,G2G has given me hope for a better tomorrow for rugby in my country.
5.How important was the rugby trip to the UK and what lessons did you pick?
I had an incredible experience, and I feel privileged to have been selected to represent our country.The experience was both enriching and empowering, and I gained valuable insights and knowledge. I had the opportunity to welcome lexi who came all the way from London by road to bring the match whistle to Sunderland. This had us delegates in tears of joy and we felt challenged to see that everyone has something to contribute in this amaizing sport we hold so dearly. Despite the challenges we face, we watched the World Rugby opening match England vs USA with an attendance of 42,723 fans watching women’s rugby live at the stadium of light, the level of competence presented the skills, style of play showcased was just beautiful rugby.
This gave me assurance that one day we will get there too, played wheelchair rugby, learn about T1 Rugby and had an opportunity to present our challenges to Child Fund Rugby, World Rugby, Gallager High Perfomance share and improve upon our ideas with other delegates. This experience has equipped me with the skills and confidence to develop more players and build quality training sessions at the grassroots level to the global stage particularly in women’s rugby.
6. What’s your message to the upcoming girls in and women in sports?
To all the upcoming girls in rugby and women in sports, I want to tell you that your dreams are valid, and your passion is worth pursuing. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Rugby has taught me that with hard work, consistency, determination and support, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Remember, you are part of a larger community of women in sports who are pushing boundaries and breaking barriers. Draw strength from one another, and together, let’s create a brighter future for girls and women in sports.
