Former Kenyan international Edward Rombo has been named as the new head coach of the Kenya Rugby League (KRL). The 53 year old, who is also a renowned lawyer, is an internationally accredited tactician with a vast experience in both rugby league and rugby union spanning more than three decades both as a player and coach.
KRLF chairman Nyakwaka Adhere praised Rombo as a resourceful tactician and hoped that his vast experience would help serve as a catalyst for the infant Rugby League in the country and region.
“Once Covid-19 is controlled in Africa, we will have short domestic league, with 10 clubs during which the national team will be picked by selectors. This will be in readiness for the maiden Kenya vs South Africa test match at the end of the year,” he said.
Speaking on the appointment, a delighted Rombo said his mission was to build a strong national team. “As a pioneer rugby league player from Kenya. I’m happy to play my part in ensuring the sports takes root in Kenya and have a strong National team hoping to take part in the future world cup/” he said.
“The Rugby League is a simpler game version and my philosophy would be to utilize our natural running abilities and keep the ball alive as much as possible,” he added.
KRLF’s development Partner, Give Rugby Foundation (GRF) has expressed its delight at the new appointment.
Rombo was the first Kenyan to play professional rugby league when he signed for Leeds RLFC in England and would subsequently join other teams including Dewsbury and Featherstone Rugby League Clubs also in England. In his new role, Rombo will lead the League National team Program in collaboration with Giving Rugby Foundation to Provide Technical support to the Federation’s Development side in the area of Skills and Defense.
Unlike Rugby Union, which features 15 players on either side, competing teams in Rugby League have 13 players each.
Rugby League’s scrums are not contested unlike Rugby Union. There are also no line outs, mauls or rucks. Most of the rules in Rugby League were changed with the aim of producing a faster and more entertaining game.