NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 26 – Just days after the legendary Collins Injera announced he was retiring from rugby, another Shujaa teammate, Willy Ambaka, has announced he will be stepping back from the international game after this weekend’s Sydney Sevens in Australia.
In a statement, Ambaka said he had thought deeply about the decision, and he will be moving on to other assignments.
“While it has been a tremendous journey, now it is time to pull the curtains on my International Rugby 7s journey. This is why I have come to the decision that I will be playing my final leg in Sydney this season,” Ambaka announced on his socials.
Ambaka who has played on the international scene for 13 years adds; “Whether off the pitch or on the pitch, I hold many experiences close to my heart some of which include winning the final in Singapore in 2016, playing in two Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games and three Rugby 7s World Cups.”
For Kenya Sevens, Ambaka played 284 matches at the World Rugby Sevens Series and accumulated 135 tries and 675 points.
He was part of the Shujaa team that clinched the 2016 Singapore title, the only Cup title the team has in the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Teammates and coaches paid a huge tribute to ‘Big Willy’ as he exits the national scene.
Club-wise, Ambaka was one of the few Kenyans who played outside the country and had different stints in France, New Zealand, South Africa and Russia.
“From me, I am leaving with a big smile and the memories and friendships of a lifetime,” he added.
