Kenya Lionesses' Janet Okello has joined the Japanese side MIE Pearls Women’s Rugby Football Club.
The Mwamba star winger joins Yokkaichi City-based side on a year-long contract from newly-crowned Kenya Cup champions Mwamba RFC, according to her manager Linda Shannon.
"I'm delighted to join Pearls Women's rugby team in Japan. It's actually a dream come true because I have always wanted to play professional rugby and Japan has a rich culture and tradition. I hope to inspire as many young girls as possible to play this game,” said Okello.
Okello played a pivotal role as Mwamba scored two tries in the Kenya Cup women's final on Saturday, edging Impala 15-11. The two-time Olympian will be the first Kenyan to play professional rugby in Japan.
The fleet-footed winger is poised to take over the captaincy duties for the Lionesses after Philadelphia Olando was named coach of the United Arab Emirates women's team.
Pearls were established five years ago and have won several titles, including the Japan Women’s Rugby Championship in 2020.
Elsewhere, Homeboyz chairman Mike Rabar is the new chairman of the Rugby Patrons Society of Kenya.
Rabar was elected during the society's Annual General Meeting. The Society confirmed Rabar’s election and hopes Rabar and his team will be of great value to the team.
“We wish to congratulate Rabar for his election and appointment as the chairman of the Rugby Patrons Society during the 2022 AGM held over the weekend. We congratulate and welcome Rabar and the incoming Board members as you take the helm of our society. We anticipate that the diverse experience our new board members bring will add significant value, ” read part of the statement released by the Rugby Patrons Society.
The Rugby Patrons Society was founded in 1953 with the formation of the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA). The founding patrons contributed to the funding of the RFUEA Ngong Road Grounds and set a precedent for the society to follow and develop.
The Rugby Patrons Society is a non-profit volunteer-based community organization dedicated to advancing the sport of Rugby in East Africa.
