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KRU appoints experienced coach Paul Odera as director of rugby

KRU appoints experienced coach Paul Odera as director of rugby
Rugby tactician Paul Odera. PHOTO/https://www.kru.co.ke

Paul Odera, a former Kenya Simbas and Chipu coach has been appointed as director of rugby at the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU)

In a statement on Monday, February 3, 2025, KRU confirmed Odera’s appointment with immediate effect explaining that his role would majorly be tailored to enhancing and developing rugby performance in the country.

“The Kenya Rugby Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Odera as the new Director of Rugby, effective 1st February 2025. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the development and performance of rugby across all levels in Kenya.

Odera’s appointment comes at a crucial time as KRU is seeking to strengthen its frameworks for player development and enhance the overall competitiveness of Kenyan rugby on both regional and global stages.

Rugby tactician Paul Odera. PHOTO/https://www.kru.co.ke/X
Rugby tactician Paul Odera. PHOTO/https://www.kru.co.ke/

His reaction

Speaking after his confirmation, Odera expressed joy, insisting that it aligns with his passion for providing a platform for budding rugby players.

The former Kenya 15s coach further vowed to help create an identity for the Kenyan rugby arena blending with instilling leadership skills and proper decision-making eploying a data-driven approach.

“I look forward to achieving the three-legged African stool- transformational leadership, science and data-driven planning and decision making and developing a Kenyan rugby identity based on the basics done well. Focus on the details of technical, tactical, physical and psychological,” Odera asserted.

Odera’s profile

Odera boasts of a wealth of experience having previously served as the head coach for the Kenya U20 national team, known as Chipu.

Rugby tactician Paul Odera. PHOTO/https://www.kru.co.ke/X
Rugby tactician Paul Odera. PHOTO/https://www.kru.co.ke

As Chipu’s gaffer, Odera successfully led the team to qualification for the 2019 World Rugby U20 Trophy. Besides guiding the team to the global showpiece, the tactician has been pivotal in nurturing young talent and promoting a competitive spirit in the country.

The new KRU director also played a significant role as the head coach of Simba. Under his guidance, Kenya 15s achieved significant milestones and showcased their potential on international platforms.

Apart from his contribution to the field, his contributions as a World Rugby Mentor and Educator have equipped him with unique insights into rugby development.

His qualities hailed

KRU Chairman, Sasha Mutai, welcomed Odera’s appointment maintaining that his qualities will help develop rugby in the country from the grassroots level.

Sasha Mutai gestures during a recent function.                     PHOTO/ ALEX NJUE
Sasha Mutai gestures during a recent function. PHOTO/ ALEX NJUE

“Paul Odera has done it all in Kenya Rugby, as a player, Captain and as a Coach at age grade level all the way to the National Team, the Simbas. A consummate Rugby man, I welcome him to his new position of Director of Rugby. He will be a key member of the team which will help execute the KRU Strategic Plan 2024 – 2028 which was adopted at last year’s AGM. I wish him all the best in his new role as we look forward to taking Kenya Rugby to unprecedented heights,” Mutai stated.

“Paul is a very welcome addition to the Secretariat and brings his immense knowledge and experience to us. His previous role as a school teacher will particularly come in useful in our development programs and developing our pathways. We welcome him and will offer the needed support to succeed in his role.” KRU CEO Thomas Odundo added.

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