Grace Okulu: Why Africa Women’s 7s in Nairobi Will Be Special For Me After 11 Years With Kenya Lionesses

Kenya Lionesses co-captain Grace Okulu says this weekend’s Africa Women’s Sevens tournament in Nairobi will be one of the most meaningful moments of her rugby career, as she prepares to play in front of home fans for the first time in 11 years with the national team.

Okulu, who began her rugby journey as a 12-year-old at Free Hold Primary School in Nakuru, has risen from a curious newcomer to one of the continent’s most accomplished players. 

Now a professional athlete with France’s Racing 92, 11 years after her maiden Lionesses bow in 2015, the year after Kenya last hosted the tournament,  she will lead Kenya alongside Sheila Chajira when the continent’s top sides converge at RFUEA Grounds on November 15–16.

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“I’ve played for the Lionesses for 11 years, but I’ve never actually played at home,” Okulu said in an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports.  

“My parents will be here, everyone who knows me will come to watch. It’s going to be a really good and interesting tournament for us, and great preparation for the upcoming Division 2 season.”

Kenya, the 2018 Africa 7s champions, have included several returning and new faces in the squad. Janet Okello will serve as vice-captain, with Phoebe Akinyi returning from injury and Nelly Chikombe earning elevation from the Kenya Cubs setup after missing the Safari 7s.

The tournament comes at a crucial time for the Lionesses, who were consigned to playing in Division 2 of the newly reformatted HSBC 7s World Series, having largely expected to be playing in the topflight after doing well in the  World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series last season.

 Okulu admits the drop was unexpected but believes the team is ready to fight their way back.

“It caught us by surprise, but it’s also an opportunity to reclaim our place in Division One,” she said. “We believed we belonged in the HSBC Series, but World Rugby made their decision. As athletes, we adapt. What we can do now is compete, win tournaments, and prove that we deserve to be back.”

Hosting the Africa Women’s 7s for the first time is also a landmark moment for Kenya’s women’s rugby. 

Okulu says the event will not only boost local visibility but also prepare the team ahead of another global qualifier set to be held in Nairobi in February.

“This is a foundation for us,” she noted. “Starting at home means when we host the February tournament again, nothing will catch us by surprise — not even the fan turnout. It gives us courage and familiarity. 

“It’s always a pleasure to play at home, especially now as the women’s game continues to grow.”

The Lionesses have spent recent weeks addressing tactical issues that affected their performances in the Challenger Series and during their U.S. tour earlier in the year.

“We’ve been polishing what didn’t work and adding a few things that will help us in the Division 2 tournaments,” Okulu said. “The coaches and players have been working hard.”

Okulu has called on fans to turn up in large numbers for what will be only the second outing for the team’s new-look squad.

“I’m inviting all of you to the epic women’s rugby tournament on the 15th and 16th,” she said. “Most faces are new except for a few of us, so come support us, come watch women’s rugby, and come see women being women.”