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NAIROBI, Kenya – Nine years ago, a young woman from rural Embu County in Kenya had her first experience of the hustle and bustle of the big city in the most harrowing circumstances.
Moreen Muritu had just arrived in Nairobi for the national hockey trials when she was mugged by a gang in the busy streets of the Kenyan capital, losing her valuables in the assault.
“I completely lost my way for some time,” Muritu tells Rugby Africa Media.
That terrifying ordeal further toughened Muritu and probably contributed to her change of sporting codes. The nightmarish welcome to Nairobi meant she was unable to apply herself and fully showcase her talents at the hockey trials.
Today, 29-year-old Muritu is one of Kenya’s best-known rugby players, a key member of the Lionesses squad for the Africa Women’s Sevens at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on 7–8 November.
Muritu is a powerful player who plays the game with grit and determination. These qualities stem from her background in rural Endu, an upbringing she carries with her wherever she goes and an identity she is extremely proud of.
“Growing up in Embu County gave me a decent, grounded start to life,” remarks Muritu.
“It’s a gorgeous, peaceful part of the country. But life there teaches you resilience early on. It taught me how to make things happen, having to do with what you have. It definitely relates with rugby, facing tough opponents, as well as life in general. I wouldn’t be where I am without my family background. My family’s unwavering support fuels every victory. Everything I achieve is tribute to them.”
While the switch from hockey to rugby happened swiftly, thanks to Muritu’s versatility, she remembers the challenges as well.
“Adjusting wasn’t easy,” she recalls.
“The constant fatigue and knocks were brutal at first. You take some hard hits and have to learn the laws the hard way out on the pitch. But because I’d been playing different sports since I was a kid, the athleticism helped. I enjoy playing rugby with my teammates and I’ve made many friends and fans.”
A fitness fanatic, Muritu has been described by many journalists in her country as a “fierce competitor” who relies on her physicality to make headway.
“When you’re competing at international level in Sevens rugby, as a centre like me, staying in peak shape isn’t just a lifestyle choice,” says Muritu.
“On the pitch, you don’t survive as a rugby player without serious conditioning, so the gym is just the place where the preparation happens. If the media calls me ‘powerful’, I’ll take it. This just means all the heavy lifting sessions and sprints are contributing when match-day rolls around.”
This year’s Africa Women’s Sevens, like the men’s competition in September, also serves as a qualifier for World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3, setting the stage for a fascinating contest at the RFUEA Grounds this weekend.
With South Africa already competing in a higher division of the HSBC SVNS Series, they are not eligible for the SVNS 3 qualification spot. Instead, the best-placed team outside South Africa will secure the place.
Rugby Africa+1
It is a place Muritu and her teammates are determined to claim.
“The mood in camp right now is sharp and focused,” says Muritu.
“Everyone knows what's at stake with the SVNS3 qualification on the line, and especially playing right here at home at the RFUEA Grounds. It's definitely the main topic of conversation among the squad. After dropping down from SVNS2, nobody is hiding from the work we need to put in. The energy is intense, the hunger to bounce straight back is real, the team is ready to leave everything out on the pitch to claim that continental spot.”
Beyond the SVNS 3 qualification race, there is also the absorbing rivalry between Kenya and record champions South Africa, should the two sides meet in this year’s tournament.
South Africa are sending an experimental young side to Nairobi, known as the Springbok Women’s Sevens ‘A’.
But for Muritu and her teammates, South Africa is South Africa, and the hosts will be as motivated as ever if the two nations clash in Nairobi.
“The rivalry of Kenya and South Africa runs deep,” Muritu says.
“Sure, they might be bringing a younger or developmental side, but everyone knows the Bok jersey carries a certain weight and standard no matter who is wearing it. They are an equally dangerous side to face and if we cross paths with them on the pitch, it’s going to be absolute war. We respect the history, but we are looking at our own mission. So we'll bring our physical edge from the very first whistle and make sure we leave nothing to chance.”
Pool A
Pool B
Pool C
Where to watch?
Rugby Africa YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RugbyAfricaOfficial
Rugby Africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyAfrica
Saturday, 7 November 2026 (EAT)
Sunday, 8 November 2026 (EAT)
Written by Enock Muchinjo
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 40 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
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