Homeboyz RFC (Homeboyz Rugby Football Club); Over the years rugby has been dominating the world of sports and it is one of the games that has gained a massive following globally. Kenya is one of the countries that have embraced this game both locally and internationally.
Speaking of local rugby teams, Homeboyz is one of the best rugby teams in the country with a well-documented record. Take a ride with us as we take you through some of the engrossing facts about Homeboyz RFC, owner, achievements, home stadium, history, and club worth.
Homeboyz RFC History
Homeboyz RFC is a professional rugby union club competing in the Kenya Cup, Eric Shirley Shield, Enterprise Cup, Mwamba Cup, and the Kenya National Sevens circuit that is held once a year. The club is based in Nairobi, Kenya and it’s one of the teams that have diversified its branches. Apart from the men’s team, they have also given the same opportunity to women to showcase their talents.
The celebrated club was founded in 2009 with an aim of giving young, strong, and talented youths an opportunity to play competitive rugby. Just like any other team in different sports, Homeboyz was placed to compete in the lower-tier, Eric Shirley Shield.
The club did an impressive job at the lower tier, winning the Eric Shirley Shield two consecutive times, and earning a promotion to the Kenya Cup league. Following the success of the men’s team, in 2016 the management decided to establish a sister team and they founded the women’s team. The team is one of the youngest women’s teams and at the moment the best way to describe their performance is, stunning if not amazing.
Homeboyz RFC Tours
Away from the local matches, the Nairobi-based club has also toured numerous countries for away matches. After their inaugural season, in 2010 they headed to Dubai to play against Dubai 7s in the Men’s Invitation Tournament
After that, they jetted to Uganda in 2018 for a match against a Ugandan-selected team. The travel came after they collected the Enterprise Cup. They went on and handed a heavy beating to the team winning the game 18-10.
Still, in 2018, they were again got a chance to make a trip back to the Dubai 7’s Men’s Invitational Tournament once again where they almost lost to the Emerging Boks. Their invitation came after they pocket three National Sevethree legs of the National Sevens Circuit.
Achievements and Trophies
- 2009: Shield Category winners
- 2010: Eric Shirley Shield Winners
- 2011: Defended Eric Shirley Shield and Promotion to the Kenya Cup
- 2011: Mwamba Cup Winner
- 2013: Finished 4th in the National Seven Circuit
- 2013: Won Kabeberi 7s
- 2014: National Seven Circuit Runners up and Driftwood 7’s winners
- 2015: Runners up Enterprise Cup
- 2016: Won the National Sevens Circuit, Driftwood 7’s, and Dala 7’s
- 2017: Won the Driftwood 7’s, and Dala 7’s
- 2018: Enterprise Cup
- 2018: National Seven Circuit, Prinsloo 7’s, Sepetuka 7’s, Kabeberi 7’s, and Christie 7’s.
Homeboyz RFC Home Ground
Homeboyz RFC is commonly referred to as HBR and they occupy Jamhuri Park as their home ground. The ground is able to hold up to 10,000 spectators in the stands, the field is owned and maintained by the Nairobi Municipal council.
Who Owns Homeboyz RFC?
The club is owned by Myke Rabar who doubles up as the club’s chairman. Rabar has been working hard to ensure the club pushes the notch higher.
Head Coach
Currently, Simon Odongo is the one holding the Backs helm while Elisha Okello deals with the Foward. The two were appointed in 2021 after the departure of Jason Hector, a South African native.
The team has had a series of coaches since its inauguration, Eric Situma was the first coach to head the team and delivered two successful seasons before Paul Murunga took over. Murungu stayed with the club for five seasons becoming the longest serving coach before he handed the docket to Simon Odongo.
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