Kenyan rugby player Andy Cole Omolo is set to relocate to Japan to join Tenri University’s rugby programme in Osaka, in a move that will see him combine academics with competitive sport, according to a statement issued by KCB. The 21-year-old lock, who turns 22 on May 2, will pursue a degree in International Relations while playing for the university.

Omolo is currently attached to KCB Rugby Club and is part of the Kenya Simbas setup, the statement said. His switch adds to a growing trend of Kenyan athletes using education-linked pathways to access overseas playing opportunities, particularly in markets where university rugby serves as a feeder system into professional leagues.

“This is a big step for me and the first step towards becoming a professional rugby player. I am excited about the opportunity to grow both academically and on the pitch in Japan. I extend gratitude to Wazi Wazi and DBA Africa for their relentless pursuit of this chance,” Omolo said in the statement.

Omolo’s development has been closely tied to western Kenya’s school rugby pipeline. He was born and raised in Chavakali and attended Walodeya Primary School, where he started playing rugby in Class 7.

“I grew up in Chavakali and went to Walodeya Primary School. I started playing rugby in Class 7, but I wasn’t very serious at the time; I was still focused on football,” he said.

His commitment to rugby deepened at Chavakali High School from 2019, where he trained with the Kabras age-grade team, played for Western Chipu while still in school, and captained the school side for two years, according to the statement.

“When I joined Chavakali High School, that’s when I really focused on rugby. I trained with the Kabras age-grade team, played for Western Chipu while still in high school, and had the privilege of captaining Chavakali for two years,” Omolo said.

After high school, he joined Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), where he featured in three Kenya Cup matches before the team’s relegation, KCB said. The statement added that his performances earned him a call-up to the national Under-20 side in 2023. He later moved to KCB Rugby Club.

KCB Rugby Club head coach Andrew Amonde said the Japan opportunity reflects Omolo’s development since joining the club.

“Andy has shown tremendous discipline and work ethic since joining KCB. His progression has been impressive, and this opportunity in Japan is well deserved. We believe this move will expose him to a higher level of competition and help him reach his full potential,” Amonde said.

For Kenya’s sports business landscape, the move underscores how local club structures and sponsorship ecosystems are increasingly linked to international player pathways. While the statement did not disclose financial terms of the move, overseas placements can raise player valuation, broaden talent exposure, and strengthen the profile of Kenyan rugby institutions among foreign recruiters.

KCB also positioned the transfer as an example of how education and sport can be paired to unlock cross-border opportunities for athletes. The bank maintains sports assets across several disciplines, including KCB Rugby Football Club, KCB Football Club and KCB Women Volleyball Club, it said.

Omolo is expected to transition to Tenri University ahead of his academic and rugby schedule in Japan. His progress in Osaka will be watched by local clubs and the national team setup as Kenya continues to build depth in forward positions and expand player export routes beyond traditional destinations.