Conellias Mokoro, an agile and dynamic scrumhalf, has signed a two-year contract with Romanian rugby club CSA Steaua, marking a significant step in his burgeoning rugby career. Mokoro’s journey from playing for Kenya Harlequins to joining one of Europe’s prominent rugby leagues underscores his growth and potential in the sport. His transition to European rugby represents not just a personal milestone but also an opportunity to further refine his skills in a highly competitive environment.
During his two seasons with Kenya Harlequins, Mokoro established himself as a key player, consistently delivering standout performances. His ability to control the game’s tempo and create opportunities for his team was instrumental in guiding the Harlequins to the 2024 Kenya Cup quarterfinals. Although they narrowly lost 26-20 to Nondies, Mokoro’s impact was undeniable, showcasing his leadership and playmaking abilities on the field.
Mokoro’s move to CSA Steaua is a dream come true for the young scrumhalf, who is eager to immerse himself in the high-level competition that European rugby offers. “Joining CSA Steaua is an exciting challenge for me,” Mokoro shared. “The experience here is unlike anything back home. The rugby environment is more intense, and the level of competition pushes me to improve every day.”
One of the initial challenges Mokoro faced in Romania was the language barrier. However, his determination to adapt quickly paid off as he began learning the language, enabling better communication with his teammates. “The language was a bit of a hurdle at first, but I’m picking it up,” Mokoro said. “Now I can communicate more effectively with my teammates, which is crucial for our coordination on the field.”
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Mokoro has been particularly impressed by the physicality and high standards of rugby in Romania. “The standard of rugby here is much higher than what I’m used to back home,” he observed. “The physicality and intensity are on another level. Romania’s rugby history, including participation in eight Rugby World Cups, speaks volumes about their systems and structures. It’s an environment where I can learn a lot and grow as a player.”
Mokoro’s rugby journey began in 2018 during his time at St. Joseph Nyabigena School in Kisii. It was here that he first discovered his passion for the sport. By 2020, Mokoro had not only honed his skills but also earned the captaincy of the school’s rugby team. Under his leadership, the team achieved a historic milestone by reaching the regional championships for the first time. This early success set the stage for his future in rugby.
After high school, Mokoro’s talent was quickly recognized, leading to his inclusion in Kenya’s Under-20 national team. His performances on the international stage further solidified his reputation as a rising star in Kenyan rugby. Mokoro also featured for the Morans, Kenya’s development squad, in prestigious tournaments like the Safari Sevens and the Africa Cup Sevens in Mauritius, where Kenya finished sixth.
Now focusing on 15s rugby, Mokoro has set his sights on earning a place in the Kenya Simbas squad for upcoming international fixtures. “I’ve missed out on Sevens selection, but now that I’m fully committed to 15s rugby, I’m hopeful for a call-up to the Simbas,” Mokoro mentioned. He is particularly keen on representing Kenya in the Elgon Cup in November and the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in Uganda next year.
Mokoro’s move to Romania makes him part of a growing group of Kenyan players who have ventured into European rugby. He joins the ranks of Malcolm Onsando (Timisoara), Ian Njenga, and Geoffrey Okwatch, who have all found success in Romanian clubs. The Kenyan rugby community views Mokoro’s progress with great interest, and there is optimism that his experiences abroad will contribute to the national team’s success in the future.
Kenya Simbas team manager Jimmi Mnene has acknowledged Mokoro’s potential and confirmed that his progress in Romania is being closely monitored. “We are aware of his progress in Romania, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on his performances. If he continues to develop, he could be a valuable addition to the national squad,” Mnene said.
As Conellias Mokoro continues to make strides in his rugby career, fans back home and across the rugby community are eager to see how he performs on the European stage. His journey is a testament to the growing talent in Kenyan rugby and the opportunities that exist for players willing to push their limits.
