Triumphant All Saints treated to grand reception in Embu

Pomp and colour marked the two team’s return as residents and county officials treated the players to a procession with convoy of vehicles parading the streets of Embu town, bringing businesses to a standstill as the residents lined up to celebrate them.

All Saints captured their first East African 15s title with a 9-3 victory over defending champions St Mary's Kisubi of Uganda, just a year after finishing fourth in Arusha, Tanzania.

The team’s coach Benson Mwenda, who has been the catalyst for the team’s upturn in form since he joined the school three years ago, attributed their success to discipline and exposure after he also guided the side to their maiden national glory in Term One Games.

“We had a dream and the dream turned to reality. We’ve proved to doubters that unheralded teams can win titles. More importantly, it’s hard work and discipline that win titles but not the big name of schools,” he said.

“I want to thank the school management for giving the team a good environment to train because as you know, if good will lacks from the management it’s not easy to perform.”

His sentiments were echoed by the school’s chairman Kithinji Kiragu, who promised continued support to the team.

“The current curriculum is advocating for students to be given opportunities to fully exploit their talents. I will continue to support the boys to ensure that we churn out more talents ready for the market,” Kiragu said.

“The boys have put us on the map. Now we’re known and we’re recognised because of rugby. This gives us more reason why we should support the team.”

All Saints now await official communication from the Ministry of Education on whether the government will fund the team for the World Schools Championships set for Monaco later in December

Kithimu Girls, also from Embu, represented Kenya in the newly introduced rugby 7s girls event where they bowed out in the preliminaries.