Year-in-Review: How All Saints defied odds to conquer East Africa

It breeds an inherent, intrusive bond that few things in life can simulate, able to form an emotional attachment that goes further than just scoring a try.

The year 2024, will go down in history books for All Saints Embu High School after the team produced one of the most endearing fairy tales in history to slay the dragon at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) games to win the rugby 15s crown.

The unheralded team sent shockwaves through the sport in 2023 when they finished second in both national and East Africa levels in their first time of asking.

But to prove it was not just a fluke, they picked where they left in 2023 to reach new heights in 2024 sweeping all the titles from the lower levels all the way to East Africa.

The successful journey in 2024

When the school was established in 2009, its founders envisioned a center for academic excellence and character development.

Little did they know that the institution would one day roar as a powerhouse in sports not only in Kenya but also regionally.

Fast forward to 2024, and the school now stands as East African Rugby 15s champions, a testament to the transformative power of determination, talent development, and teamwork.

The journey of All Saints Embu’s rugby team alias ‘The Titans’ began in 2021, with just nine pioneering players.

The school’s principal, Franklin Chabari, recalls that their vision extended beyond academics—they aimed to nurture talent holistically.

What started as a small, inexperienced group quickly transformed into a formidable force through a disciplined and strategic approach.

Benson Mwenda's Midas Touch

The switching of seasoned school coach Benson Mwenda from neighbouring Kangaru School —the once school rugby giants —to All Saints was without doubt the turnaround of the team as he instigated an immediate improvement in results, aesthetics and harmony.

After his successful stint coaching Kangaru, All Saints had taken note and snatched him right under their noses. However, success did not come overnight as he had to lay down proper structures to ensure that a little-known school was ready to challenge the “big boys”.

Under him, the team underwent rigorous training sessions that focused on skill enhancement, physical fitness, and mental fortitude.

Despite their modest resources and stature, the boys carried a fierce determination to make a name for themselves.

“I started in 2021 when there were no games because of the Covid-19 so we had more time for training.  I took boys from age grade and helped them with physical fitness to get them better and when we showed up in 2022 we made it to the Nationals in 7s,” said Mwenda in 2023.

Their victory in a nail-biting East Africa final against Uganda’s St. Mary’s Kisubi was a highlight of the tournament, showcasing their unmatched resilience and strategy

Coach Mwenda attributed their success to tireless preparation and a collective belief in their potential.

“This was not just about talent—it was about discipline, hard work, and a shared vision to uplift the Kenyan flag,” he said after the East Africa triumph.

The team’s captain, Brian Oyugi, echoed this sentiment, lauding his teammates’ dedication and focus on growing rugby not just for the school, but for Embu and Kenya at large.

School support

While excelling on the pitch, the players also maintained commendable academic performance.

Principal Frank Chabari emphasized that this balance was a cornerstone of the school’s philosophy.

“Discipline in sports has translated into discipline in studies. Our boys are not just athletes; they are future leaders,” he remarked.

The victory at East Africa was not just a win for All Saints but a milestone for Kenyan rugby. The team’s journey has inspired other schools in the region to invest in sports development.

Recognizing the importance of early exposure, Chabari has proposed partnerships with local primary schools to nurture rugby talent from a young age.

“We are ready to offer training and mentorship to surrounding schools to grow the game,” he said.

With their sights set on the World Secondary Schools Games in Monaco next year, the team is preparing for yet another milestone.

Coach Mwenda expressed confidence in their readiness to compete on a global stage, signaling that their journey is far from over.

On his side, the team manager Tom Mwalimu Kiragu added that the sport has not only elevated the school’s profile but also taught the students critical life skills like teamwork and self-motivation.

The rise of All Saints Embu High School is more than just a sports success story—it’s a narrative of ambition, strategic planning, and relentless effort.

From a small team of nine players to East African champions, their journey continues to inspire young athletes across Kenya and East Africa.

As they prepare to carry Kenya’s hopes to Monaco, one thing is certain; this is just the beginning of their legacy in rugby and beyond.